HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Residents came together at the Hanceville Civic Center on Friday, May 22, for the annual Senior Fishing Day. The event, organized by the Cullman County Commission on Aging, the City of Hanceville and Hanceville Parks and Recreation, was meant to be an outdoor fishing competition at Veterans Memorial Park, but stormy weather forced it indoors. Even with the change, organizers said seniors still had a great time with food, fellowship and games.
“We were worried about the weather, so our plan was to move the celebration inside and play bingo,” said Commission on Aging Director Stephanie Lawson. “They’ve been good sports with us. It’s important that we keep everyone safe above all else.”
Lawson said Senior Fishing Day has been a tradition in Hanceville for many years, starting before she became director over five years ago. She explained that it is a team effort between the city and the Commission on Aging and has lasted a long time.
Since the fishing portion of the day was canceled, organizers quickly changed the schedule to include bingo, dancing and lunch inside the civic center. Seniors enjoyed hamburgers for lunch, which was sponsored by Peoples Bank of Alabama and Cullman County Circuit Clerk Lisa McSwain. Lawson said she was happy to see so many people attend, even with the rain.
She explained that events like Senior Fishing Day matter because they give older adults a chance to socialize, have fun and feel connected to the community. “Obviously our fishing day is about getting them outside,” Lawson said. “But even when we can’t get outdoors, just coming together inside and doing what we can to be together helps our mental health and gives everyone a chance to fellowship and have fun.”
