The Ames Senior Variety Show has hosted 600 performers in 30 years and is still going strong

Ames Senior Variety Show publicity chair Marilyn Johnson believes "life goes on and on," regardless of age.

That annual reminder is why more than 600 individuals have performed in the annual Ames Senior Variety Show across three decades.

This year's performance of "Footloose and Fancy Free: Oh! The Places We'll See!" will feature nearly 90 participants.

The 2024 Senior Variety Show will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Ames City Auditorium.

"It's a chance for (seniors) to brush off their talents they might have put on a shelf years ago, and find out, "My goodness, I can still do that." Johnson said. "When you're in performing arts, you can carry that into your 80s, 90s or however long you want to do it."

Johnson said the performers bring a lot of passion and joy to the stage every year.

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What will this year's show look like?

Twenty-two of this year's 88 performers are taking the stage for the first time. The participants range in age from 61 to 94 with at least six different local communities represented.

Audience members can expect a variety of performances like tap dancing, comedy acts, serious readings and singing groups.

The Heart of Iowa Band , comprised of older Iowans, will provide entertainment during the pre-show . The band is making its much-anticipated return after taking a brief Senior Variety Show hiatus.

With 24 members from Story County, Johnson said there are many new faces who haven't been in a show before.

A long history of variety

The Ames Senior Variety Show was established by Betty Boccella in 1995.

Boccella was enthralled by “Green Winter: A Celebration of Aging" when she suddenly envisioned seniors performing various book selections in a “reader's theatre” style. A performance was held a few months later after she pulled some of her friends together.

Boccella conjured up another idea shortly after the initial performance. She wanted to piece together a show with a variety of acts performed exclusively by older adults. She wanted the performances to inspire others that life doesn’t end when you reach the age of 60.

The first show was presented by what was known as the Heartland Senior Services in Story County in September 1995. What started as a one-time celebration of aging has since expanded beyond the senior center and into a beloved tradition.

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Journey to becoming a non-profit

In 2013, the show applied for non-profit status after partnering with Heartland Senior Services for nearly 20 years. Today, the Senior Variety Show is piloted completely by community volunteers that form a creative team, a production team and a working board.

The Senior Variety Show has raised more $200,000 in its first three decades. Though money was initially raised for Heartland of Story County, net proceeds are always donated to county organizations.

This year, net proceeds will go to American Legion Riders, Chapter #37 (Wreaths Across America program), the Bridge Home, Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance, Heart of Iowa Band and Heartland of Story County.

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: The Ames Senior Variety Show has hosted 600 performers in 30 years and is still going strong