Crafts, exhibits, giveaways, music, and food will highlight the new Celebration of Seniors festival in Highland Park on Saturday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event is an expansion of the sixth annual Miles for Meals Walkathon, which is the major fundraiser each year for Meals on Wheels and the congregate meal programs in Monroe County.

Seniors from several county senior centers will have exhibits and displays in the festival's Exhibition Tent, with crafts and other items for sale. Also on hand will be businesses that serve the senior market, with literature, giveaways, and drawings for door prizes.

Three bands will entertain festival-goers this year. The Lakedale Irregulars will start off the event with old-time favorites at 8:30 a.m. followed by the new Lifespan Jazz Orchestra at 10:50 a.m. which is composed of senior musicians from Lifespan's Downtown Senior Center. Closing out the event will be the new Webster Ceremonial Band, a group of 25 student musicians from four secondary schools in the Webster School District.

The community is invited to join the seniors and their families in the Walkathon, or to stop by for the free entertainment. Free beverages, courtesy of ABVI and Wendy's will be available. Admission to the event is free; participation in the Walkathon requires a minimum donation of $5. Each walker who raises $50 or more in pledges will receive a free t-shirt.

A free continental breakfast, courtesy of Wegmans, will be held for registered walkers from 9 to 11 a.m. Grilled hots, hamburgs, chicken, and other items prepared by a local vendor will be available for sale starting at 10:30 a.m.

Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m., immediately followed by the walk through Highland Park. Participants may select a 2.4 K (1-1/2 mile) walk on rather hilly terrain, or a 1/2 mile walk on a less hilly course.

Exhibit space is still available; for information, call 428-4969. Registration brochures for walkers are now available; call to have one mailed to you.

The festival will be located in Highland Park, at the corner of Highland and South Avenues. Free parking is available in the Al Sigl Center Parking Lot on South Avenue. The Walkathon is being presented by the Monroe County Office for the Aging.