Mt. Clemens, MI - Macomb County seniors are invited to the 25th annual Older American Festival to enjoy a day of music, dancing, food, raffles and more.

Sponsored by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners and the county Department of Senior Citizen Services, the festival also features free health screenings, including vision, hearing and bone density, glaucoma, blood pressure, cholesterol testing, and cardiovascular health assessments.

Seniors can do their part to keep pharmaceuticals out of drinking water supplies by turning in unwanted medications, including narcotics, at the festival. Pills must be in a clear plastic bag. The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting controlled substances such as narcotic painkillers or stimulants at this event, but those must be kept in a separate plastic bag.

Schedule of events:

10 a.m. – Gates open
  • Health screening – Ralph A. Liberato Independence Hall (runs until 3:30 p.m.)
  • Exhibitor tent (open until 3 p.m.)
  • Economic stimulus payment assistance: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will help seniors fill out 1040-A tax forms for 2007. People must file 2007 tax returns to be considered for a stimulus check. The 1040-A forms will be provided by the IRS at the festival. The IRS will also help people that normally do not have to file a return to report their earnings so they may qualify for the stimulus check. These people include those who live on Social Security payments or Veterans Affairs benefits. People who normally do not have to file a return must bring a picture identification, social security card, Form 1099-SSA (the Social Security benefits statement) and Department of Veterans Affairs total monthly benefit amount or sum for the year. All IRS services at the festival are free and will be offered until 3:30 p.m.
  • MSU Extension horticulture tent opens

11:30 a.m. – Free lunch distribution
  • Bingo begins

12:30 p.m. – Color Guard presentation at band shell

12:30 to 3 p.m. – Big band music by The Tommy James Band at band shell

1 p.m. – Introduction of Macomb County dignitaries

3 p.m. – Raffle drawings for two American Express gift cards worth $250 and $50.

Lunches are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to federal funding requirements, those who receive a lunch must provide their name, address, date of birth and signature.