A free event Thursday, March 21 in White Rock will focus on fashion, food, wine, a zumba demo and conversation about CARP, a group committed to "a new vision of aging for Canada."

The evening event will feature eight models - mostly in their 60s and 70s - wearing fashions available at Fashion on the Edge, #7A-15223 Pacific Ave., at Five Corners, starting at 6: 30 p.m.

"These are real fashions modelled by real women of all shapes and sizes showcasing the latest looks and colours for 2013," said Ramona Kaptyn, chair of CARP's 2,600strong White Rock/Surrey chapter.

Kaptyn was at the clothing store Friday afternoon for a pre-show fitting session with fellow local CARP members April Lewis and Denice Thompson. They were assisted by Rhonda McJannet, fashion co-ordinator.

"With CARP," Lewis said, "we advocate for really serious, important issues, but at the same time we want to have fun - girls just want to have fun! The message we want to give is to celebrate the body you're in, and do it with style and panache."

Thursday's event will appeal to people age 40 and over, Thompson added.

"The younger zoomers - those boomers with zip, the 40s and up - we're not reaching them yet (with CARP), and an event like this can help make them interested in CARP," she said.

The organization is looking to start chapters in Richmond and also in the South Asian community of Surrey, Kaptyn said.

Meanwhile, the White Rock/Surrey chapter is hosting another "My Life" speaker series event on April 11, with Surrey mayor Dianne Watts, at Sabatino's restaurant, #950-15355 24th Ave., Surrey, starting at 9: 30 a.m. A series kick-off event in January featured guest speaker Shell Busey.

For more details, email carp.whiterock. surrey@gmail.com, or visit www.carp.ca (follow link to Community/ Western/ White Rock-Surrey).

Twitter @tomzillich

tzillich@thenownewspaper.com