’70s-themed Senior Picnic a groovy time

MOSES LAKE — About 700 people came out to the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual Senior Picnic on June 11, which was pretty much on a par with last year, Chamber Director Debbie Doran-Martinez said.

“Everybody really enjoyed themselves,” she said. “We had a lot of people dancing, more than usual.”

The theme was “Peace, Love & Party,” and attendees were decked out in tie-dye and bell-bottoms. The music that brought folks out to the dance floor was provided by Cheyenne.

The event is more than just lunch and some dancing, however. Most of the exhibitors provide some sort of service to seniors, and the Senior Picnic was an opportunity for those folks to see what’s available to them. Health Care facilities, insurance companies, financial planners and assisted living facilities were all there with representatives to help seniors navigate what can be some tricky waters.

This is the 11th year the Chamber has hosted the picnic, which has grown to occupy the 4-H and Commercial buildings at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The whole thing was free for seniors and the chaperons, caregivers and other guests paid a nominal fee. The various vendors provided door prizes.

The band that performs at the picnic has changed over the years, Doran-Martinez said. The last couple of years it was the Rocky Ford Band from Moses Lake, and the Old Time Fiddlers have performed as well.

“We had, for many years, the Fun Addicts out of Seattle, but COVID kind of took that band out. So since then, we’ve used different bands, just trying to shake it up.”

The theme for next year’s picnic will be red, white and blue in keeping with the sesquicentennial, or 250th anniversary, of American independence, Doran-Martinez said. It will take place June 10, 2026. 

    The Senior Picnic attracted about 700 people for lunch, music, door prizes and lots of information valuable to seniors.
  

    Attendees at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Picnic visit information booths.