FRYEBURG – Many volunteers and even more senior citizens from the area, flocked to the Fryeburg Fairgrounds on Friday for the 10th annual TRIAD Senior Appreciation Day Picnic.

TRIAD, which stands for “The Right Idea and Direction,” works with the organization Seniors and Lawmen Together to reduce crime against senior citizens. Other events the organizations host include May Baskets, which contain donated items and information about crime prevention, and the Senior Frolic, which takes place in the fall.

“It’s a way of getting information out,” said Linda Hooker, TRIAD coordinator and secretary for the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office.

Connie Tutlis, who helps plan and coordinate activities for the organizations, said the groups intend to help protect seniors against crimes such as abuse and identity theft.

“It’s a very worthwhile program,” said Tutlis. “I hope that it’s making a difference in the lives of the seniors.”

Diane Jackson, regional representative for U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, said the program brings seniors together with law enforcement and creates a familiarity between the two.

“We certainly want to be part of a program that the sheriff’s office supports,” said Jackson.

Though TRIAD initially received funds from the Older Americans Act, it is now self-funding through donations and fundraising.

Friday’s picnic included a Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a book sale. Several organizations were on hand with information about senior health and well-being. Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice offered blood pressure checks and information about pulmonary health.

“It has been fabulous,” said Lisa Cailler, a nurse with the facility. “We’ve had such a grand time.”

The event was sponsored by several organizations, including the Fryeburg Fair Association, the Maine Sheriff’s Association, Blazing Star Masonic Lodge, the Norway Rehabilitation Center, Poland Spring Bottling, Hannaford of Rumford, and Oxford County Jail cook Peter Rogers.

Hooker said about 350 people attended the event, including 50 to 60 volunteers. Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant and Chief Deputy Dane Tripp, as well as representatives from Fryeburg Rescue and the Fryeburg, Dixfield, Norway and Bridgton police departments attended.

Gallant recognized Jim Whittemore of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Rumford for a $500 donation for insurance for the event.

It was Gallant’s first time attending the picnic as the county’s sheriff.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I thought it was pretty impressive to see so many people come together.”