A last minute grant application to the Township allowed the Brookswood Seniors Centre to have a Canada 150 celebration.
“Our mandate was to reach people in the Brookswood/Fernridge area of Langley so this area was our focus,” said Bonnie Hartrup, with the centre
The centre took the party to the people with a portable party that wound its way through Brookswood earlier this month as well as hosting a picnic June 29.
“We applied at the last minute and had only three days to get the agenda in place, rent a bus, plan itinerary and organize the groups of dancers,” she said.
But what’s a party without power. Part of the organizing involved had to source out electricity at various sites, for instance. With the logistics in place, it was time to party.
“Seniors know how to have fun,” she said.
A total of 43 people participated in a flash mob that toured through the neighbourhood.
“Most rode on the bus but four followed in cars carrying cookies, lemonade, water and coffee as well as a medical kit,” Hartrup explained.
Early on the morning of July 2, participants gathered to learn dance moves in the parking lot of the seniors centre.
“A few people came to the parking to view us as they had read about the 150 celebrations in the local paper,” she added.
The centre’s portable party then hit the road, visiting various sites around the neighbourhood for 20 to 30 minute stops.
Roger Morrow handled the announcer/dance caller duties.
“When we got to the manufactured home park we did a little extra for all the seniors gathered there and served cookies and coffee to them. We handed out Canada 150 flags to those who wished one,” Hartrup said. “Roger sang a song with the refrain Fire It Up and a loud chorus of all of us raised our arms and sang along with him. Great fun. At some points people joined in and made a great effort to dance with us. Golfers at the driving range leaned over their fences to watch and applaud. We received a thank you note from the Langley Golf Centre on 216th. Guests at the Artful Dodger Pub stopped and enjoyed the energy and dance.”
