Gonzales, LA – Tuesday morning, December 8, was party time in Gonzales as area senior citizens descended on the Gonzales Civic Center for the annual Christmas Party held in their honor. Each year, the numbers increase, with this year’s numbers topping the 800 mark. The event is quite the social event of the year.
City of Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux hosted the event on behalf of the city; an event he looks forward to due to the sheer enjoyment he knows will be found in those that attend.
“Each year as our Senior Citizens Christmas Party grows closer, I get extremely excited,” said Mayor Arceneaux. “Our area senior come to dance, drink, eat and be merry, and it certainly is a sight to see. It’s impossible not to smile as I look out and see the happiness on so many faces.”
Kenny Fife was back again this year playing his mix of swamp pop infused tunes with the odd Christmas Carol thrown in for good measure. It didn’t even take one song until guests were up and dancing, showing the younger attendees and volunteers a thing or two about cuttin’ a rug!
Organizer of this year’s event was City of Gonzales employee Tammy Williams, who was amazed at the turnout.
“This event just grows and grows with each passing year,” said Williams. “Looking out and seeing so many people coming to celebrate the season with us is truly a blessing.”
The entire five –man Gonzales City Council was in attendance, which included Kirk Boudreaux, Neal Bourque, Terance Irvin, Kenny Matassa and Harold Stewart. They were joined by City of Gonzales Police Chief, Sherman Jackson, City of Gonzales Fire Chief, Tracey Normand and numerous parish-wide elected officials all with a special message of peace and goodwill for a happy Christmas season.
Mayor Arceneaux and the City of Gonzales wish to thank Tee Wayne Abshire, LeBlanc’s Food Stores and Luke Marchand for providing the food, the Gonzales Rotary Club for helping to serve meals, all city workers who have one above and beyond for all of the city’s holiday events, the many volunteers who assisted with making this festive event a great success, and of course a huge thank you to Santa himself for making a jolly appearance.