Carnival set for June solves isolation with shuttle service for seniors

Fort Erie seniors shut out by cost and transportation will get free shuttle rides to the Seniors Stepping Out carnival on June 13 at the Leisureplex.

Fort Erie’s Senior Citizens Advisory Committee is adding accessible pickups from six senior apartment buildings for the annual event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and gives Fort Erie residents aged 55 and older a free catered lunch.

Secretary Deborah Fairlie told Fort Erie Radio that this year’s carnival is meant for all ages, but targets older residents who struggle to leave home.

“Some are shut in. Some are feeling isolated,” said Fairlie. “Well, let’s get them out, engage in the beautiful community we have.”

The carnival will have indoor and outdoor games, chair yoga, planting activities, a clown and a magician.

Fairlie said the committee chose classic carnival games to bring back memories of old Crystal Beach and penny carnivals, after consultation with several seniors in the community.

“We spoke to them and they said that they wanted something fun,” said Fairlie.

There will also be about 12 agencies with tables at the carnival to connect with local seniors, including Meals on Wheels, the accessibility committee, Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library and Niagara Region.

This is the first year the committee has been able to arrange transportation for the event, Fairlie said. A similar attempt last year fell through.

The event began in 2022 and returns each year under a different theme. Last year’s event brought more than 300 people to the Leisureplex and focused on volunteerism with opportunities for seniors to stay active by contributing to the community.

This year’s carnival format came from questionnaires seniors completed at past events, Fairlie said.

“If our residents have spoken up, we give them what they ask for,” she said.

The free shuttle service schedule will be sent to participating senior apartments before the event.

Other committee events typically sell tickets for $12, even though the meals cost about $30 to $35 each.

At the Stepping Out carnival, lunch will be free for Fort Erie seniors. Non-resident seniors and other guests can buy meals.

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