The event sells out weeks in advance and pulls in politicians lured by the knowledge seniors will vote.
Some of those at Holyoke Senior Fest had meals served by U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst.HOLYOKE — Robert Peloquin just moved back to the area from Florida, and thanks to Wednesday’s Senior Fest, an upcoming Sunday is already booked.
Peloquin, 73, a Springfield native, was surprised to hear his raffle number announced scoring him a brunch with 15 people of his choice in the Open Square loft of Mayor Alex B. Morse.
“I never win anything. It happened to be the final raffle prize that they had,” said Peloquin, who is getting an apartment at Pulaski Heights here.
Morse was one of numerous politicians at the Senior Fest at the Mater Dolorosa Pope John Paul Social Center on St. Kolbe Drive. It drew more than 600 people, organizers said.
The annual celebration of senior citizens is a crowd magnet, selling out weeks in advance and pulling in incumbents and challengers for federal, state and local seats who know seniors can be counted on to vote.
U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, who is not seeking reelection, helped serve the seniors hamburgers and hotdogs from big trays carried between rows of tables.
“It was a wonderful time,” said Teresa M. Shepard, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, which arranges Senior Fest.
Morse, who praised the department and the volunteers who made the event happen, was master of ceremonies. He said he was eager to provide brunch for Peloquin in September or October.
“It was a great time, just a wonderful event,” Morse said of Senior Fest.
“Nobody’s more surprised than I am,” Peloquin said.
Nearly $5,000 in gift certificates and other prizes were raffled off.
Betty Robertson, 78, set her blue tote bag down and rested against a wall.
“I think I have about 35 pens from local politicians in there. I think I’ll expire before I run out of pens,” said Robertson, a retired secretary at Blessed Sacrament Parish.
Frank Radon, 89, held the door open as seniors left the event. It was a “mighty fine” time, he said, despite going prize-free in the raffles.
“I didn’t win, but that’s all right. Better luck next time,” said Radon, a retired school custodian.
