Seniors in Airdrie will have to wait a full year to enjoy a musical that was scheduled to be hosted by the Airdrie Over 50 Club Sept. 27.
According to Annie Kuznicki, director and organizer with the club, the decision was made in late July to push the already postponed event to Sept. 21, 2021, because of continued concerns around COVID-19.
“Hopefully the pandemic will have settled by then,” she said.
Kuznicki said postponing the event until next year was a tough decision and will ultimately cost the club additional money.
“We are going to have to start all over again,” she said. “That means printing new posters and tickets, along with advertising.”
Kuznicki described the musical as a comedy featuring rock ‘n’ roll and country music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. It was initially scheduled for April 19, but after COVID-19 caused shutdowns in the spring, the Over 50 Club made the decision to postpone until this fall.
The show was to be performed by musical duo Richard and Deborah Popovich. The couple has performed more than 4,000 times on the Alberta Prairie Tourist Train based out of Stettler, Alta. Kuznicki said the Popovichs have performed previously for the Over 50 Club and have become fan favourites.
“We had 120 people attend the first time they performed,” she said. “People just loved it.”
According to Kuznicki, 82 tickets had already been sold for the musical. The club uses some proceeds from events like the musical to support multiple Airdrie organizations including the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Airdrie Food Bank.
Kuznicki said tickets that have already been purchased will be honoured for the musical’s new date next year.
She added the Over 50 Club remains closed because of the pandemic. The club has been closed since March 15.
“It is so sad,” Kuznicki said. “So many people call me to see if there is something going on. We were hoping we would only be closed for a month, but things got worse.”
The Over 50 Club has been operating in Airdrie since 1976 and currently boasts around 310 members. Membership costs $30 a year. When open, it features a space for seniors to enjoy card games, shuffleboard, exercise classes and other activities. Kuznicki said she has received many calls from members asking when the club will officially reopen.
“We are hoping to reopen next spring or summer,” Kuznicki said.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
