Cullman County senior citizens packed the house for Friday’s annual Commission on Aging Christmas Party at the McGukin Civic Center.

Organizers of the annual get-together for the over 60 crowd in Cullman, estimated attendance at close to 600.

Looking out across the crowd that gathered to be entertained and immersed in the Christmas spirit, Santa hats, red shirts, colorful accessories, poinsettia table settings and numerous sing-a-longs of traditional Christmas carols, added to the festive atmosphere.

“It’s just wonderful to see so many smiling faces in the crowd and know that everyone is having a good time,” said Randall Shedd, director of the Cullman County Commission on Aging. “This is my favorite event of the year and to prepare for what we thought would be a good crowd, we placed table settings for 500 on the civic center floor and then opened the balcony, which can hold another 150. It’s a good thing we did, because the floor is full, we have people in the balcony and there are people standing.”

The only time Reba Snelgrove of Cullman stood during Friday’s party was to go and visit a friend she happened to spot in the crowd, or to dance to some of the “rockin’ music” played as entertainment.

“I love listening to the band and dancing. I love the twist the best, but I can also buck dance,” Snelgrove said with a wide grin. “I moved here three years ago from Florida to be close to my son and daughter and I’ve been coming to the Christmas party ever since. They really do a super job with it. I love it, and so do my friends.”

This was also the third year that Robert T. Bishop of Cullman attended the annual party.

Asked what it is he enjoys the most about the event, Bishop said there’s not any one particular thing.

“I love it all,” said Bishop, who attended with his wife Bonnie. “I enjoy the music and entertainment, but most the fellowship.”

Asked if he has a particularly fond Christmas memory as either a youngster or adult, Bishop said the first thought that popped into mind was the Christmas when he turned 5.

“I got a John Deere tractor push toy that year and I thought it was just the greatest thing,” Bishop said.

Dorothy Kelley of the Gold Ridge community, made her first visit to the annual Christmas party, and was really impressed with the organization and the program.

“I love the music, singing the Christmas carols, and all of the great sprit and fellowship,” Kelley said. “Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of emphasis put on giving or receiving gifts, but we did have a lot of love for each other and that’s what I remember most, and what I hope to pass along to my grandchildren and their children.”