Holiday Festival of the Arts Brightens the Senior Center

Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center

— from the Orcas Senior Center —

Marcia Gillingham, Joyce Green and Mary Greenwell , (with a baby in the cradle behind them) welcome all to the Holiday Festival of the Arts at the Senior Center 2013

Once again, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, The Senior Center Operations Committee starts the fun, food and festivities of the Holiday Season with its traditional “Holiday Festival of Arts.”

On November 29, the halls of the Senior Center off North Beach Road will be bedecked with huge snowflakes, recycled years ago from an off-island store. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the whole Senior Center will bustle with artists, craftsmen and women, shoppers and lookers-on who just want to enjoy the lively community event.

Jane Heisinger, Facilities Manager, says, “I love that the Senior Center is turned into a beautiful place with Christmas decorations, trees and snowflakes, Santa and Mrs. Claus and all of the local artisans. It’s just plain fun.”

“It is a way to support the Senior Center and the local artists, some of whom say that the proceeds from the Fair help get them through the winter.”Admission is $1 or a donation to the Food Bank. Heisinger says, “We also really support the Food Bank with the many donations we receive that day.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus will take a quick break from their “day jobs” at the North Pole to visit with Orcas children. They will be at the Center from 11 – 1 for photos. Bring your own cameras and enjoy this photo op.

There will also be a Silent Auction including a two-night stay at a Casino in Las Vegas with a dinner and a show, a laser printed special edition football from the Seahawks, a $200 gift certificate from Rosario, an Owl platter from Crow Valley, a print from Frank Loudin and more. Don’t forget the Raffle which includes two quilts, a Christmas wall hanging and a knitted blanket. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5.

The Bake Sale is always popular along with the coffee and cider which is available all day long. For lunch, enjoy panini sandwiches which include a soft drink or water and chips.

This event is one of the two fund raisers that the Senior Center Operations Committee puts on every year. Enjoy the day and support our local artists and the Senior Center.