The sun was shining and the weather was warm as the residents of Shady Lawn Nursing Home celebrated with an outdoor carnival Tuesday. Lively music played on speakers as the residents gathered under shady tents.

Kenneth Frazier, staffing coordinator at Shady Lawn, said a concert group was scheduled to come in the afternoon to perform songs for the residents. 

“They’ll do hits from the 70s (and) 80s,” he said. “Whatever the residents want.”

With an enthusiastic staff to support the fun and games, residents were treated to a cake walk, ring toss, dunking booth and grilled hamburgers for lunch.

Director of Nursing Lisa Tyler said this is the first year that the carnival has been held.Tyler, Assistant Director of Nursing Karen Porter and nurse Shakayla Ross spent the afternoon decked out in carnival gear, including rainbow wigs and spotted ties.

Staffing Coordinator Cassandra Carter sat in the dunking booth as residents and staff alike threw balls at the target hoping to hit the bullseye and see her go splashing into the water.

When Carter went into the water, cheers erupted. 

“The first time I went in. It caught me off guard. (The water) went up my nose.” she said. “It’s not bad at all. Deeper than you’d think.”

Frazier said Shady Lawn is increasing its efforts to provide fun for the residents, including a scheduled ice cream tasting and a food truck, where residents can order their lunch.

“Shady Lawn is a five-star facility that is currently ranked eleventh in the best out of 202 centers in the state of Mississippi,” she said. “Our mission is to provide dignity to the residents we serve.”