The economic outlook this holiday season may be bleak, but that isn’t stopping the Wetzel County Committee on Aging from throwing a big Christmas party.

In fact, it is because of the hard times some may be facing that Director Mary Ash wants to make this year’s event even more special. Rather than the usual party with entertainment and finger sandwiches, this year the senior event to be held Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at the New Martinsville facility on Paducah Drive will include a full dinner with ham, mashed potatoes, noodles, green beans, rolls, and cake.

Also, the entertainment will be plentiful as both local singer Ryan Ritchie and the ever-popular Gracemen will be performing.

They will also have numerous door prizes to give away.

Because this is such a large undertaking, they are requiring the public to RSVP by calling 455-3220 by Dec. 18 at noon. But don’t delay as there is only room for about 125 attendees and the roster is sure to fill fast.

The only request that the WCCA is making of attendees is that they bring canned goods to be donated to local food banks. That way the seniors can give back to the community, a way of paying it forward.

Senior vans will be running to the event from the Pine Grove, Hundred, and New Martinsville areas. Those wishing to ride a van need to indicate that when calling to RSVP.