It was an Oktoberfest of a very special kind and I am glad I choose to attend. It happened on Oct. 23, and was the continuation of a tradition started soon after Logan Manor opened its doors 10 years ago.
The entertainers, The Evergreen Singers, were already assembled when I arrived, wearing their colourful dirndl's. This group, one has to know, sprang up from the Chilliwack Evergreen Choir, which ceased to exist quite some years ago. Enter Margo Galea, one member who still had the strong desire to sing and perform. Others joined her and together they started a new group now known as the Evergreen Singers.
Mostly seniors themselves, they mainly entertain in retirement homes and at other community functions and they mostly do it for free. Though other groups have sprung up at a later time this was the first group to perform at Logan Manor
Oct. 23 was a Tuesday, which is usually set aside for the bi-weekly sing-alongs organized by Renate Schwanke. On this Tuesday, however, they were to be entertained themselves rather than be the entertainers. And from the moment the Evergreen Singers marched in to the tune of The Happy Wanderer to the end of their performance, they had the full attention of the audience. There were several soloists I should mention: Margo Galea and Ken Burningham (a self declared Bavarian for the afternoon) who sang a duet, Theresa and Sigi Altenried who brought original yodeling to the afternoon, and Debra Kartz, a talented accordionist we will see more of, I am sure. Not to forget Karrie Matthew, the accompanist for the afternoon.
There was much more, but the overwhelming impression throughout the afternoon and especially during the performance, was the feeling of fun and good will one could almost touch! It was a very special afternoon, indeed.