Hundreds gather for first-ever Creative Age Festival of Edmonds

Posted: April 16, 2016 2144
Dr. Gloria Burgess leads a class in "The Soulful Secrets of the Negro Spirituals.
Dr. Gloria Burgess leads CAFE attendees a chorus of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” during her presentation on The Soulful Secrets of the Negro Spirituals. (Photo by Teresa Wippel)

Organizers of the Creative Age Festival of Edmonds were delighted with both the turnout and the response to the first-ever event, and they promise it will be back again next year.

“I’m thrilled,” said co-founder Dick Van Hollebeke as the day-long program of classes got underway at both Frances Anderson Center and the Library Plaza Room Saturday morning.

Participants in the "Aging is a Laughing Matter" session clearly enjoyed themselves. (Photo by Larry Vogel)
Participants in the “Aging is a Laughing Matter” session clearly enjoyed themselves. (Photo by Larry Vogel)

Hundreds of participants spent the day attending their choice of 30 workshops. While the classes were aimed at promoting a vibrant lifestyle for seniors, or those nearing retirement, those in younger age groups also enjoyed the day’s events.

Attendees tried their hand at memoir writing and visual journaling, kicked up their heels with folk dancing, sang Negro spirituals and learned about volunteer opportunities in the community. They also enjoyed plant art, poetry, improv and song writing. And many took advantage of introductory fitness classes taught by Harbor Square Athletic Club instructors.

You can see our complete photo gallery of the day’s events here.

Event organizer Dick Van Hollebeke introduces the panel that will lead the discussion on "Community Volunteerism: Using Your Time and Talents to Help Others." From left, Mayor Dave Earling, Edmonds Senior Center Executive Director Farrell Fleming, United Way Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Gaitan, Edmonds Center for the Arts Volunteer Manager Jim Kristian, Edmonds Arts Festival President Diane Cutts and Retired Senior Volunteer Program Manager John Alpine.
Event organizer Dick Van Hollebeke introduces the panel that will lead the discussion on “Community Volunteerism: Using Your Time and Talents to Help Others.”
From left, Mayor Dave Earling, Edmonds Senior Center Executive Director Farrell Fleming, United Way Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Gaitan, Edmonds Center for the Arts Volunteer Manager Jim Kristian, Edmonds Arts Festival President Diane Cutts and Retired Senior Volunteer Program Manager John Alpine. (Photo by Larry Vogel)

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