FITCHBURG — With a couple of crowns, a belly full of food, and a little bit of rock and roll, the Civic Days are here at last.
The Fitchburg Senior Center was buzzing on Wednesday with chatty seniors anticipating the start of the Civic Days Luncheon, which, in typical fashion, was capped of with the crowning of Civic Days king and queen.
Now in its 59th year, the luncheon is the first of many events to come in the celebration preceding Independence Day.
“This is the kick-off to a traditional part of Fitchburg,” said Senior Center Director Joan Goodwin. “It’s important to all generations. People from all over come to these events, but its important for the seniors because they’ve been a part of the city for so long.”
Before they could get out of their seats for food, however, attendees were treated to a performance by Bradley James, a young musician better known as the Boston Piano Kid.
James entered the spotlight in 2016, when he was just 14-years-old, after he was pulled on stage and performed with Billy Joel to a sold out crowd at Fenway Park. From, Bill Haley & His Comets to Bruno Mars, the crowd tapped their feet as James rocked the stage.
“Bradley is always very well received. I mean, people didn’t come here because they wanted lunch, they came here because of the concert,” said Goodwin. “I thought he’d be a great addition to Civic Days, and he was.”
Goodwin, who has been director for 15 years, said the luncheon was good moment for the community to connect with each other, particularly the seniors.
She also announced this year’s king and queen: Pat and Pat.
Patricia Legendron said she was shaking after being announced queen.
“I was stunned. I didn’t know anything,” said Legendron. “I’ve been going to the parade since my kids were little and we bring our grand kids every year […] but now my kids will be waving to me, I can’t believe this.”
Patrick Goodhue, who was crowned this year’s king, said he knew about the award but needed to keep the secret from Legendron. “All I had to do was keep my mouth shut,” he said.
“Patrick has been a volunteer I don’t know how many years. He’s a wonderful and gracious guy and helps me out,” said Goodwin.
This year’s luncheon was provided for by The Highlands, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.
Marketing director for The Highlands MaryAnn Melanson said the organization always aims to provide for the community and Civic Days provides that opportunity.
“The community supports us but in return we also like to give back,” said Melanson. “I think it’s a great opportunity to acknowledge our community and give back.”
Melanson and other staff members helped serve meals to the hungry seniors on Wednesday, including Executive Director Carlos Bonilla.
“The Highlands has always been a provider for the community, so I think that it’s important to provide for the Fitchburg area to let them know what we can do for them,” said Bonilla.
