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The Senior Concert Band of Western Massachusetts led by Richard "Rip" Bourguignon played tunes from the 40s and 50s at the 2011 Senior Fest in Holyoke. This year's event is Tuesday (Aug. 19).
((JOHN SUCHOCKI / THE REPUBLICAN))
HOLYOKE -- Senior Fest begins at 11 a.m. on Tuesday (Aug. 19), which means that by about 11:30 a.m., most of the hundreds of senior citizens will have had their hands shaken and votes sought by politicians.
The 16th annual Senior Fest is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pope John Paul II Social Center, 67 St. Kolbe Drive, organized by the city Parks and Recreation Department.
While the event celebrates senior citizens with a meal, prize raffles, music and other entertainment, it has become a destination for incumbents and challengers running for seats in the fall elections. The hall gets filled with 400 to 500 senior citizens and politicians know senior citizens vote.
This isn't a municipal election year, meaning the mayor and city councilors won't be campaigning. But among seats up for grabs in the Sept. 9 primary election and on Election Day Nov. 4 are those for 2nd Hampden-Hampshire state Senate, Hampden County district attorney, governor, lieutenant governor and others.
As in previous years, the event also is a health fair sponsored by the Council on Aging with tables around the room to be staffed by company and government agency representatives to provide information.
The menu will include hamburgers, cheese burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, potato salad, baked beans and dessert.
Mayor Alex B. Morse will be master of ceremonies. Entertainment will come from the Senior Concert Band of Western Mass, the Pioneer Valley Chordsmen and the Barbershop Harmony Society.
For information call (413) 322-5620.