CULLMAN, Ala. – Seniors gathered for the annual Cullman County Senior Christmas Party hosted by the Cullman County Commission on Aging (COA) and the Active Adult Center on Dec. 16. The annual favorite brought together volunteers, elected officials and community partners to celebrate the season.
The celebration was held at Cullman OmniPlex, where seniors from across the county enjoyed food, music, door prizes and holiday fellowship.
Organizers highlighted the many individuals and groups who helped make the event possible, including volunteers who assisted with food service, transportation and guest support throughout the day.
The COA extended special thanks to Temple Baptist Church volunteers Weston Cockrell and Luke Parker, who assisted with safely shuttling attendees to and from their vehicles during extremely cold temperatures.
“We are truly grateful for your kindness and dedication,” COA officials stated.
Organizers also recognized the support of elected officials who helped support senior services and programming throughout the year.
“We could not have accomplished what we did this year without the unwavering support of our elected officials,” COA officials stated.
The Cullman County legislative delegation includes Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; Rep. Heath Allbright, R-Holly Pond; Rep. Cindy Myrex, R-Bremen; and Rep. Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley.
Organizers noted that Myrex was unable to attend the event due to prior commitments in Montgomery, where she was hosting a group of young women from Cullman during a tour of the Governor’s Mansion. COA officials said she sent her warm wishes and expressed that she would have attended otherwise.
The event also included festive recognitions, including the 2025 Senior Christmas Party Best Festive Awards, which were presented to Henry Arndt of the Simcoe Senior Center and Jamie McBrayer of the Cullman Senior Center.
Organizers said Barbara Whitehead of the Active Adult Center and Sheila Johnson of the Colony Senior Center provided strong competition for the honors.
A grand prize drawing was also held, with Hershel Brimhall named the 2025 Senior Christmas Party grand prize winner.
Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services was recognized as the grand prize sponsor. COA officials thanked Trae Norrell and Lawson Schaffer for their continued support of senior programming, noting that while they were unable to attend this year’s event, their contributions remain meaningful to the senior community.
The COA also recognized the attendance of 2025 Ms. Senior Cullman County Sheri Rasco and 2025 Ms. Super Senior Cullman County Mazzie Twilley, whose presence added to the celebration.
Additional appreciation was extended to the board members of the Ms. Senior Cullman County Pageant for presenting a check to support the Santa for Seniors project.
Youth volunteers were also recognized during the event. Members of the Addison boys’ varsity basketball team assisted with service duties and later shared a musical performance that organizers described as a highlight of the day.
“We are blessed in our area to have good young men and young women who volunteer to help their communities,” COA officials stated.
The annual Senior Christmas Party is open to Cullman County residents aged 55 and older and is hosted jointly by the Cullman County Commission on Aging and the Active Adult Center.
