Seniorfest provides fun and games for the "young at heart"

MILWAUKEE -- Summers in Milwaukee include a long lineup of festivals, most taking place during the weekends. However, one kicked off Wednesday, June 13th, geared for more "seasoned" Milwaukeeans. It's called Seniorfest, and it's put on by the Milwaukee Recreation Department, targeted toward those who are still young at heart.

“We call them active, older adults instead of seniors, so we have a lot of activities like bingo and dartboard,” Recreation Supervisor Willie Mitchell said.

This is the 29th year for the festival, where close to 800 Milwaukeeans aged 65 or older  pack Serb Hall for the one-day event.

Great weather, enjoyable entertainment and good company is why Gladys Sterry returns every year.

“You meet your friends -- some you haven't seen from probably the year before, so it's really fun,” Sterry said.

For others, it's the rows of booths that provide useful information that draws them to the festival.

“I live alone, and sometimes I need transportation.  I can get information on how to get it,” Sophie Szejna, who is turning 93 next month, said at the festival.

“We have about 65 to 70 vendors here.  That covers everything from health, insurance, assisted living -- anything that has to cater to seniors, there's someone here to represent that trade,” Mitchell said.

“I love playing dart ball,” Donald Leshok said.  At 89 years young, Wednesday was his first Seniorfest.

“Very good, very well run.  I’m having a great time.  I'm enjoying it very, very much,” Leshok said.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton were special guests at Wednesday’s event.  They honored some seniors with "experience life awards."

CLICK HERE for more on Milwaukee's Seniorfest and other Milwaukee Recreation Department activities.