Best Life Fest brings dance, art, entertainment and more to Keene

Designed to fill a gap in local programming, The Keene Sentinel's newest event offering focuses on supporting the 40-plus community while celebrating what organizers describe as some of life's most rewarding years. The Sentinel's first Best Life Fest takes place Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Best Western in Keene. General admission is $10, tickets for those 62 and older are $5, and admission is free for active military members with identification. "Our community, and the Sentinel, hosts events focused on a variety of age groups," Events Manager Allison Gibbons said. "Looking at what we already have, it seemed to us like the 40-plus community tends to get overlooked. We wanted to make something specifically focused on them." Gibbons said organizers wanted to create an event that combines entertainment, education and social connection while showcasing activities attendees might not otherwise encounter. "We wanted people to be able to come in and spend the afternoon trying different things," she said. "Maybe you learn something during the fraud seminar, spend some time with a therapy dog, discover you love line dancing, test your knowledge during trivia or leave with a piece of artwork you created yourself. It's really about bringing those experiences together in one place." Running throughout the event will be casino-style game tables staffed by Keene Sentinel employees acting as dealers. Guests will also be able to enjoy food from Tempesta's and a cash bar while mingling with fellow attendees. Adding to the relaxed atmosphere, Monadnock Therapy Pets will bring therapy dogs for visitors to meet and spend time with during the afternoon. Therapy animal programs have become increasingly common in healthcare and community settings because interactions with trained therapy dogs can help reduce stress and encourage social engagement. Throughout the Monadnock Region, therapy teams regularly visit hospitals, schools, libraries and senior living communities, providing companionship and comfort through animal-assisted activities. The day's activities begin at 1 p.m. with a performance by A Troupe of Witches, a Marlow-based dance group led by choreographer Dianne Eno. The troupe performs its own version of the viral "Witches Dance," a routine set to the song "Schüttel deinen Speck" by German musician Peter Fox. The dance traces its roots to Germany, where performances by the Wolfshäger Hexenbrut, or Wolfshagen Witches, helped popularize the routine before videos spread internationally through social media. Since then, community groups around the world have embraced their own interpretations, blending synchronized choreography, theatrical costumes and a touch of seasonal fun. Under Eno's direction, the troupe has become a familiar presence at festivals and community events throughout New England. At 2 p.m., the focus shifts from watching to participating when Britt & Olivia Line Dancing, also known as B.O.L.D., takes the floor. The Vermont-based instructors will lead an interactive session designed to welcome both newcomers and experienced dancers. While line dancing is often associated with country-western music, modern line dancing incorporates a variety of musical styles. Participants can expect easy-to-follow choreography set to upbeat music, with instructors guiding the group through each step. No partner is required, making the activity especially approachable for those attending on their own. Gibbons said the session reflects one of the festival's central goals: creating opportunities for people to stay active while connecting with others. "One of the things we wanted was a mix of activities where people could participate instead of just watch," she said. "Line dancing is something people can jump into regardless of experience level, and it gives them a chance to meet people and have fun at the same time." The interactive fun continues at 2:45 p.m. with a trivia competition inspired by popular television game shows. Designed to test participants' knowledge while encouraging friendly competition, the session will give attendees another opportunity to engage with fellow guests and take part in the afternoon's activities. Gibbons said the trivia segment further reinforces the festival's emphasis on participation and social interaction. "We didn't want this to be the kind of event where people just walk around and observe," she said. "We wanted opportunities for people to get involved, have some fun and interact with the people around them. Trivia seemed like a great way to do that." The educational portion of the event begins at 3:15 p.m. when Pam Lane and Keisha Huntoon of The Savings Bank of Walpole, an event sponsor, lead a seminar focused on fraud awareness and scam prevention. The topic has become increasingly relevant as scammers employ more sophisticated tactics through phone calls, text messages, emails and social media platforms. The presentation will discuss common warning signs, strategies for protecting personal and financial information and practical steps individuals can take if they believe they have been targeted. While entertainment and recreation make up much of the afternoon, Gibbons said organizers also wanted attendees to leave with information they can use in their everyday lives. "The idea wasn't just to create an afternoon of fun," she said. "We wanted people to walk away having learned something that could genuinely help them." The afternoon concludes with a Social Paint Experience at 4 p.m. led by visual artist Hannah Banana. Participants will receive supplies and materials before creating personalized artwork centered on positive affirmations and self-expression. Unlike traditional painting classes that focus on reproducing a specific image, the session emphasizes exploration and creativity. Participants will be able to select from a variety of materials and techniques, allowing them to create artwork that reflects their own interests and experiences. No artistic background is required. A central feature of the experience will be an "Art Bar" stocked with paints, decorative elements and affirmation pieces that attendees can incorporate into their projects. The activity is designed to encourage conversation and creative exploration while giving participants the opportunity to leave with a meaningful, one-of-a-kind piece of art. Gibbons said the program offers a different type of engagement than many community events. "Not everyone wants to get out on the dance floor, and not everyone is looking for a lecture," she said. "We wanted activities that encourage people to try something creative, maybe something they haven't done in years, and Hannah's program really fits that goal." Whether attendees choose to dance, paint, test their knowledge during trivia, learn about scam prevention, enjoy a performance or simply spend time with friends and neighbors, Best Life Fest is designed to encourage people to stay engaged, explore new interests and make new connections. For more information, visit bit.ly/4BpdPOg.