On May 24th, The Hampton Sheriff’s Office held its 7th Annual Senior Citizen Picnic at Mill Point Park in celebration of Older Americans month. Nearly 400 senior citizens converged on the beautiful park on the Hampton River for an afternoon filled with food, music, dance and fellowship. Hampton Sheriff, B. J. Roberts initiated the event to recognize and show his appreciation to the older population of Hampton. “Many of these people here today have had a great impact on my life” said Roberts, “I can’t thank them enough for their guidance and their sacrifice”. The Hampton Triad and Hampton Parks and Recreation are co-sponsors of the event. Each year the event grows and seniors make ticket requests as early as March from all around the Peninsula.
Several elected officials and city leaders joined Roberts to say thank you for your years of service to our community. The large crowd cheered and applauded the longevity of three seniors in attendance over 90 years of age with the top prize going to a 96 year old Hampton resident. Virginia Senator, Mamie Locke presented a Senate Joint Resolution commending Sheriff Roberts for his many years of community service to the state of Virginia and the Virginia Peninsula.
The picnic is free and the Hampton Sheriff’s Office provides a complimentary lunch of burgers and hot dogs to the large crowd of seniors. Special guests joining Sheriff Roberts and Senator Mamie Locke were, Senator John Miller, Delegate Mamye BaCote, Delegate Gordon Helsel Jr., Delegate Jeion Ward and several members of the Hampton City Council.
In addition to lunch, seniors were treated to songs by Carla Crump-Reaves from the Hampton Commonwealth Attorney’s office and dance by the “Out Of Line” dancers from the Hampton Senior Center. All in all a great day and a fun time showing thanks to those citizens that have pave the way for all of us.