If there’s one event that pushes the Cullman Civic Center to its limits each year, it’s the annual Retiree and Senior Citizen Christmas Party.

“Usually, that place is packed,” Cullman County Commission on Aging (COA) employee Kelly Townsend said about the civic center. “Various businesses and organizations have donated door prizes, and we’ll be opening the doors from 9 a.m. to around noon.”

The event will begin Friday morning at the McGukin Civic Center.

The Christmas party serves as an opportunity for senior citizens to celebrate the holiday among themselves, all while having entertainment, door prizes and being served by Cullman County dignitaries.

“I’m going to be there as a celebrity waiter,” District 11 state Representative Randall Shedd joked. “I’ll be in a red apron. I’m looking forward to seeing it from the floor.”

By that, Shedd means this isn’t his first time at the event, but it is his first time as a guest. Shedd served as the director of the COA for 10 years.

“In the past, we’ve had 900 meals and served all of them,” he said. “This has been going on, as far as I know, since the program began in 1977.”

Several other elected officials will don aprons alongside Shedd to help serve the senior citizens lunch.

In a time when the organization is seeking a new director, the COA has been busy preparing the civic center to host the slew of seniors.

“You’ll see tomorrow — that place is going to be busy,” Townsend said.

Zach Winslett may be contacted at zwinslett@cullmantimes.com or (256) 734-2131, ext. 137.