SALISBURY — Local seniors can grab their favorite green garb and head on down to the Hilton Senior Center on March 19 for the Council on Aging’s annual St. Patrick’s Day bash.
The party will begin at 11 a.m., and attendees will have the chance to sing along to Irish music, participate in raffles and more.
Seniors can also enjoy an Irish staple — corned beef and cabbage — made by the culinary staff and students at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.
COA Director Liz Pettis said Whittier folks returning for another year will make the day memorable for seniors.
“The culinary team comes in and they do all the cooking and all the serving. The students interact with the seniors, they make it really special,” she said.
As Whittier Tech students serve up the corned beef and cabbage, they will have friendly conversations with seniors along the way, contributing to the fun environment at the COA.
“They get treated like gold, they’re waited on,” Pettis said, about the seniors attending the party. “It’s just a nice atmosphere. It’s a great day. The instructors come, the teachers come, the students come, and they’re very polite and very respectful, and they just interact greatly,”.
Pettis said the COA will likely be full, with over 100 seniors expected to be in attendance for the party. Each ticket is $10, with the aim of making the celebration affordable, Pettis said.
“We just wanted to keep the price manageable, and those that don’t have the funding, we welcome everybody,” she said.
Pettis also said popular parties like this one are a good social outlet for seniors.
“I think it’s great for camaraderie. It’s a chance to touch base with old friends, make new friends. It’s a great time, and everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” she said.
Similarly, COA Assistant Director Andrew Suggs said seniors have a blast at the much anticipated party.
“It’s definitely one of the more vibrant social ones. I think everybody comes in getting to be Irish for a day. Whittier makes it such a fun atmosphere, with kids coming and serving, and they make such an incredible meal. Everyone just have such a phenomenal time. And, the music is always lively and upbeat and chipper, and everyone just really gets into it,” he said.
Those interested in purchasing a ticket for the party beforehand can stop by the Hilton Senior Center reception area.