MARYSVILLE — Although the Ken Baxter Senior Community Center has only been going for 12 years, its 13th annual senior picnic barbecue kicks off at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 10.
Senior Community Center Coordinator Maryke Burgess explained that the yearly tradition began before the center even existed. Organizers are selling tickets this year for a suggested donation of $3 each until Aug. 5. Seating is limited to the first 300 people aged 55 year or older who purchase tickets, which will not be sold the day of the event.
“I love the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from our sponsors each year,” Burgess said. “Without them, we couldn’t have this event. They love it so much they don’t just pitch in financially, but they even come out to help us.”
Each lunch consists of Alaskan salmon or fried chicken, based on availability, as well as a salad, a roll and a drink. All the food is provided by the city of Marysville and Harry and Miko Winder, the latter two of whom Burgess credited with providing the first salmon dinners at the start of the event 12 years ago.
“The seniors love being treated to a special day of good meals with generous portions,” said Burgess, who added that this year’s event will include a professional DJ, as well as John Hove from the Marysville Care Center and Barb Lester from Marysville’s Grandview Village jointly emceeing the event. “It lets older adults socialize and know that the city cares about them and considers them valuable members of the community.”
Burgess expressed her gratitude to the local businesses who have collaborated with the city to make the annual meal possible by “putting a little bit of themselves in this event,” as well as to organizations like the Lakewood High School volleyball and cross-country teams for volunteering their assistance.
Attendees are asked to arrive no earlier than 11:15 a.m. and encouraged to carpool, since street parking is available on three sides of Comeford park but is limited. The Ken Baxter Senior Community Center is located at 514 Delta Ave. and tickets may be purchased there during its normal business. For more information, call 360-363-8450.
