State Rep. Carolyn Dykema announced that her annual Senior Picnic has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event traditionally is held in Hopkinton every August and draws close to 200 seniors from the 8th Middlesex District’s four towns (Hopkinton, Holliston, Southborough and Westborough).

“I’m so disappointed that this event, which has become so special to the district, has to be canceled due to the current health concerns,” Dykema said in a press release Monday. “It’s been my privilege to carry on this wonderful tradition to honor and celebrate our senior residents because they have given, and continue to give, so much to our communities. While it’s clear the event needed be canceled to prioritize the health of our residents, I’ll miss seeing so many friends from across the district.”

According to Dykema, the event was started by Hopkinton residents Bob and Jackie Lavoie. It then was organized by state Rep. Babara Gardner, passed on to her successor, Paul Loscocco, and Dykema took it over when she took office in 2009.

Added Dykema: “While I’m disappointed that we can’t be together in August, I’ll look forward to celebrating together again next summer when we’ll greatly enjoy each other’s company!”