Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

SENIORS PICNIC

Cooler morning invites hundreds to Riverside Park for annual seniors’ picnic

Aug 29, 2025 | 4:32 PM

KAMLOOPS – After months of planning, the annual Kamloops seniors’ picnic, featuring a lot of hot dogs and live performances, took place at Riverside Park Friday morning (Aug. 29).

The event was free and all that was required was signing up and claiming your seat. However, with hundreds attending, organizers made sure there was plenty to go around.

“A lot of people live in seniors homes and they may not be able to go out very often. This is a reason for them to go out and enjoy with their friends of their age. That’s what really brings them together,” said Janvi Desai, the community events coordinator at the City of Kamloops.

Food wasn’t the only thing being shared — there was plenty of reminiscing between everyone at the event

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“I used to sit in the park here back in the ’50s. My dad used to run the theatre in here every Sunday night for the kids. Now I see all of this happening. It makes me feel really, really warm inside because my father was in the arts,” said Howard Paquette, an attendee of the picnic.

With a record-breaking temperature week, the cooler morning definitely helped with the enjoyment of the event.

“A gathering of wonderful people and friends. And the entertainment is amazing. Beautiful day. Couldn’t ask for anything nicer,” said Diane Couchma, an attendee of the picnic.

Others had no idea the event was taking place and stumbled upon it.

“I was out for a bike ride. I stopped because I was attracted to the music. Then I realized that I’m at the stage now. I could have come to this. It’s hard to believe that I’ve arrived,” said Carmen Ann.

The Crime Prevention Team was out in force, reminding attendees about fraud and safety.

“The seniors are a vulnerable population and so we have some programs that actually cater to seniors, especially things like scams and fraud and seniors safety,” said Sandra Labbe, a crime prevention liaison.

The event ended at 1:00 p.m. and organizers and attendees are excited to bring the event back next year.