Hundreds enjoy annual Strawberry Festival Senior Shindig

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La June White, 84, from Birmingham, who came with Trinity Baptist Church, won the 2019 Senior Shindig buck dancing contest. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. – The always popular Strawberry Festival Senior Shindig filled the Festhalle Friday as seniors from near and far came out for juicy strawberries, great music and, of course, bingo! Approximately 500-600 seniors attended this year’s shindig.

“It just gets bigger and bigger each year,” observed Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker.

Senior groups from Birmingham, Gardendale, Irondale, Hoover, Florence and Harvest were just a few of the out-of-town guests who, along with Cullman’s extraordinary seniors, had a blast. They enjoyed a variety of vendors for shopping, health services and information, live music and oodles of strawberries. Most purchased strawberries to take home.

The Shindig featured several fun contests including a strawberry picking contest, talent show and buck dancing contest. In between the games and contests the seniors listened to popular oldies. They were not a bit shy about getting on the dance floor and showing off their amazing moves. La June White from Birmingham proved she’s still got it as she was declared the winner of the buck dancing contest.

White, who came with her friends from Trinity Baptist Church in Birmingham, was thrilled to have been picked as the winner.

After a quick hot dog lunch and more dancing, the main event got underway. Bingo is always a crowd pleaser and Friday’s Shindig was no exception. After a fun, yet windy day, most of the seniors The Tribune spoke to said they intended to return for Saturday’s festivities. Most in hopes to seeing Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Saturday night.

Baker said after the Shindig, “It was a great crowd this year and everyone had a great time. The senior events are great and growing.”

The event is sponsored each year by the Cullman County Commission on Aging and Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism.

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