Spotlights glowed as Michael Flatley pranced onstage to thunderous applause as the star of “Celtic Tiger.”

A group of 20 people from the Oak Harbor Senior Center settled back in their seats Oct. 20 to enjoy the show at the Everett Events Center. Sixty dancers swirled around Flatley. The show played simultaneously on screens on either side of the stage for close-up views of the action.

The history of Ireland unfolded as Flatley’s fiery feet dueled with Viking and British invaders. Flatley’s Irish step dancing made him famous in “River Dance” and his followup shows. He also is a renowned flute player.

The multimedia presentation included dramatic video images for stage backdrops, compelling music, strobe lights and firework explosions.

The music and dance turned multi-ethnic when Flatley and the dancers “arrived” in America during the second half of the 90-minute show. The star and his troupe performed a potpourri of dances that included tap, ballet, hip hop, Latin and swing.

Joyce and Don Tighe were thrilled.

“It was fabulous. Awesome! And thoroughly entertaining,” Joyce Tighe said. The Oak Harbor couple have traveled near and far on a variety of trips offered by the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

The Tighes recently saw the “Pirates of Penzance” at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon, the “Sound of Music” at the Whidbey Playhouse, the outdoor sculpture at Western Washington University in Bellingham.

It is so convenient to hop aboard the bus, then get dropped off outside a theater or other venue and not have to look for parking, Joyce Tighe said.

Travel opportunities have always been an important part of the busy senior center in Oak Harbor, where Pat Gardner heads up travel arrangements.

The 20 tickets she purchased for “Celtic Tiger” sold quickly and there was a wait list, she said.

Some trips, such as visiting casinos in the region, attract a regular following, Gardner said. Seniors enjoy the camraderie of old friends and the chance to meet new ones.

Gardner is a detective of sorts, always looking for fresh ideas that can result in a mystery destination.

The Tighes went on a mystery trip and ended up on a goat farm, where they learned about cheese-making before heading off to the marina in Blaine.

Joyce Tighe said goat farming was fascinating and something she hadn’t known about.

“I’ve seen things I normally wouldn’t,” she said. “It keeps you learning. It’s good for the mind.”

The senior center doesn’t want to compete with local travel agents.

“We try to give service to the seniors and their guests, and to the community,” Gardner said.

Occasionally, extended trips are offered, such as upcoming trips to Costa Rica and a Danube cruise.

Gardner worked professionally for decades in the travel industry before serving as a volunteer at the senior center. Now she’s a temporary employee, leading a team of six volunteers who escort groups and handle trip details.

Each quarter, she lines up about 40 day trips. Prices run as little as $18 for travel to a casino or as much as $145 for the Leavenworth “Snow Train.”

“We are always looking for new and interesting things to do,” Gardner said.