A popular Olympic-style event aimed at seniors in the Carbon County community is making its return next month.

On Thursday, Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein announced that the Carbon County Senior Games will take place beginning May 17.

“Everyone wants the Senior Games now,” he said.

He noted that it won’t be quite as big as the two-week event of the past due to the decision being made recently, but he hopes the games will be back up to full speed next year.

The Senior Games, which attract approximately 200 area seniors age 60 and up, was canceled the last two years as a result of the pandemic. Local COVID case remain low, so the county thought it was time to return.

Nothstein said the Area Agency on Aging is finalizing the plans. More information will go out to senior centers when available.

The commissioners also spoke about the 50th anniversary of senior centers and the celebrations that had taken place at the centers.

Nothstein said that it was good to speak with the seniors about both concerns and good things happening in the county.

He and Commissioner Rocky Ahner urged seniors of the community to get out and enjoy the senior centers as a way to socialize, get a lunch and stay active.

Senior centers are located in Nesquehoning for the Panther Valley area; on Route 903 in Jim Thorpe for Jim Thorpe and Penn Kidder residents; Palmerton; Weatherly and Lehighton.

Centers are open five days a week, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More information could also be found on the Carbon County website at www.carboncounty.com or by calling Anne Horrigan, Senior Center Services Director, at 610-824-7830, ext. 227.