Winter Carnival Senior Royalty

Every year, Whitefish Community Center participates in the gaiety of the Whitefish Winter Carnival by electing a Senior King and Queen. These royal individuals are crowned by the Carnival Royalty and represent the Center during the Grand Parade.

The Whitefish Community Center is honored to announce Marvin Parker and Barbara Saunders as the Center’s King and Queen to represent both the Center and the senior population of Whitefish at the LXV Whitefish Winter Carnival festivities. Both Marv and Barb have been hard-working dedicated volunteers at the Center along with other volunteer opportunities. They became friends when they worked alongside each other as volunteers at the North Valley Hospital/Logan Health in Whitefish
distributing cookies every Wednesday. Barb was known affectionately as the “Cookie Lady.” They have each expressed what a great pleasure it was to work together as “cookie partners.”

Queen Barbara Saunders

Barbara moved to Whitefish from Lake Havasu City, AZ , 7 years ago to be closer to family. She was thrilled to find this small town and the friendly community atmosphere. Barbara is 96 and a proud Mother of 3, Grandmother to 7, Great Grandmother to 16 and soon to be a Great- Great -Grandmother. She also has her pilot’s license and a scuba diving license. During her 7 years in Whitefish she has stayed active by volunteering at the Food Bank, the Center and attending Whitefish Theatre, Alpine Theatre, Glacier Symphony, and Chamber events with her daughter. You can also find her here at the Center doing Senior Exercise.

King Marvin Parker

Marvin and his wife Pat moved to Whitefish 29 years ago. They hiked and skied together throughout the area. Marv continued to hike, bike and ski after his beloved Pat passed away. He has climbed many mountain peaks in Glacier National Park and the Whitefish range with the “Over the Hill Gang.” You can often see him (weather permitting) riding his bike to the Center to volunteer in the kitchen, play cards, or just hang-out and enjoy a cup of coffee. He first volunteered at the Whitefish Museum where he met Frank Greg who gave him an in-depth history of the early days of Whitefish and railroading. This was especially interesting to Marv as he had worked for the Great Northern Railroad as a depot agent and telegrapher. Marv has one daughter, two sons and one granddaughter.

Both of our amazing Senior Royalty Members have loved volunteering at the Center with the other dedicated volunteers and are excited about representing us. Who says seniors don’t have fun?! The theme for this year’s Winter Carnival is, “The Greatest Show.” The Whitefish Winter Carnival parade is on Saturday, February 3rd at 3 pm. Look for them in the parade and give them a big cheer!