From a simple idea in 2019 grew an organization that has provided fun for countless senior citizens in Escalon – and a few from neighboring communities – as the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch recently marked its sixth anniversary.
It was a combination party and circus, hosted at the Escalon Community Center on Aug. 20, that marked the occasion. Longtime resident Ann Shaddix was the initial driving force behind the group, wanting to provide a way for local seniors to get together to socialize and have fun.
“I can’t tell you how much joy I feel right now … I just have tears come to my eyes,” Shaddix shared after listening to the Fun Bunch singers perform for a huge crowd in attendance at the party. “Six years, six beautiful years of people working together; I love it.”
The group meets regularly the third Wednesday of the month, from 2 pm. to 4 p.m., at the Community Center. There is typically a theme, a guest performer, a craft, and snacks to enjoy.
“You know, I think it’s just the happiness of being together and sharing with friends,” Shaddix said of why she feels the membership has continued to grow and people return for the monthly gatherings. “Just walking away from the world and coming in to a world of fun. They all mingle and they talk and they’ve met new friends … I just can’t tell you how happy I am.”
The sixth anniversary celebration had a circus theme, with Magician Shawn Durham providing the main entertainment following the Fun Bunch Singers. There were also circus-themed snacks, including cotton candy served up in a sugar cone, cupcakes, and ice cream with a selection of toppings.
There were drawings for door prizes and seniors also had the chance to enjoy Bingo, as well as trying their skill at a couple of carnival games like ring toss to win some treats. A couple of photo backdrops were available as well.
Serving as emcee for the festivities was Peggy Rocha, who said organizers were extremely pleased with the event.
“This is our sixth anniversary and we’re so happy we had such a big turnout,” Rocha said. “In fact, today we had the biggest turnout we’ve ever had, about 85 people and we’re happy to celebrate our sixth year and we hope that we go many more years to come.”
“We all feel like family,” added Lois Tilbury, one of the event coordinators. “After six years, 12 times a year, we’ve been doing this, it feels like family.”
The Fun Bunch kept going, even through COVID, when the planning group of Tilbury, Shaddix, Rocha, Cindy Moreno and Tina Jensen came up with creative ways to entertain with drive-through events hosted outside at the Community Center.
Since getting back to in-person events, the group has firmly taken hold, reaching more seniors in the community.
“And we never get tired of doing it,” Rocha shared. These people are so appreciative of what we do and we love every minute of it.”
