At 80, Marlyse Gerber is the oldest of the volunteers of the Paléo Festival. This Vaudoise guides motorists in the various car parks of the festival with a smile. Encounter.
Kylian Morchetti
To observe Marlyse Gerber at work is an experience in itself. This sympathetic and very dynamic octogenarian does not skimp with the energy deployed when it comes to guiding spectators in the parking lots of the Paléo Festival. The big gestures, the cries and sometimes a little joke of this little woman have been happy with festival -goers for many years already.
At 80 (and a half, she insists), this Vaudoise is the dean of the Paleo volunteers. She works among the 61 volunteers who manage the parking lots. “Paléo is a big family and my second house,” describes the one who has lived the first editions since 1979 in the public, on the old Colovray site, before joining the organization during the move on the ASSE plain in 1990.
Since his beginnings, Marlyse has experienced many misadventures but has always been able to smile. “Before, I was at the infirmary but I had a little bit fed up with being in the service of alcohol,” said the one who was employed in the Nyon hospital in life. After going through security -“I was watching for the resums but was perhaps not very credible -she found her place in the parking lots.
“They don’t want to let go of me anymore. Since the time I have been there, people recognize me. I say a few bamboulés and everyone has a smile. Afterwards, I don’t let myself go, be careful!” Despite her age, the one who saw growing up and evolving the Nyonnaise high mass is not ready to stop. “I made a pact, I want to continue up to 105 years!”
