Seniors get into costume at Halloween Boo Bash

By Ian Swaby
| 11:30 a.m. October 31, 2024

Peter Salefsky, Barbara Bostic and Gail Duerst

Sarasota
Neighbors

You're never too old for a hat and a broomstick.

In fact, many members of the West Coast Sand-Witches come from Senior Friendship Centers.

That was one reason the local group decided to join the organization's annual Halloween Boo Bash to offer a dance performance, at its Sarasota location, on Oct. 30.

"Some of the witches are members here, so we thought this would be a great place to recruit more witches and have some fun," said organizer Connie Farris.

Also taking place at the Venice location, the event featured live music by Krazy Entertainment Live and a Halloween costume contest with awards for the best costumes.

Ron Longhurst, who was the winner of the contest for his costume of the Pope, said he always enjoys the chance to dress up.

"I tell people outside the center that, every day, from one to three, we have live music, we have dancing, and we act like a bunch of seventh graders at a sock hop," he said.

The West Coast Sand-Witches including Gail Duerst (center) offer a performance.

The West Coast Sand-Witches, including organizer Connie Farris, Sami Blouin, Nancy Creighton and Judith Calissi, offer a performance.

Senior Friendship Centers' Bethany Colbrunn and Evelyn Vaz watch the dancing action at the event.

The hall at Senior Friendship Centers was filled with

Halloween treats were on offer at the event.

Gina Brockman of Golden Girl Solutions serves treats to David Spengler

Marlene Bischman, who is dressed as Cher, takes her turn explaining her Halloween costume to Center Manager George Maggio.

Gina Brockman of Golden Girl Solutions and Timothy Arbagy of Krazy Entertainment make an announcement.

Lucille Pererva dances with her longtime friend Frank Cefola. The two enjoy matching their Halloween costumes each year.

John Ross dances with Holly Larrimore of West Coast Sand-Witches.

Attendees take to the dance floor, including Ron Longhurst (center).

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.