MINT HILL, NC – On Saturday, December 3, the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce will hold it’s Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party. A tradition in the Mint Hill community for over 30 years, this event will mark the first in person celebration since before COVID.
The Senior Citizens Christmas Party began in the mid-1980s when town leaders including Mike Cochrane and Tony Long joined together to develop an event that would honor the town’s senior citizens during the Christmas season. As the event grew in scope, it moved from its original location to at Mint Hill’s Masonic Lodge to the Kerr Building at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church to its current location at Independence High School.
This year, the party returns to Independence for the first in-person gathering since December of 2019. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Paige McKinney is excited to collaborate with Independence High School’s new principal Amy Mims, who has marshaled Independence students, staff and family members to contribute to the event.
“I attended the party when I was an Assistant Principal at Independence and remember how much joy it brought the Senior Citizens at the time,” said Mims. “The Independence Jazz Band and Orchestra will be performing. In addition, our Chamber Choir and Concert Choir will perform. The Health Occupation students will be available to conduct blood pressure checks for the Senior Citizens. Our ROTC staff and students will be volunteering as well as represent the Color Guard. My favorite contribution from Independence is that our students and club members are creating Independence ornaments to give to all participants as a Christmas Gift from our school. This is truly going to be a wonderful event, and I am so excited that Independence is able to play such a big role in hosting the Christmas Party.”
In addition to the activities and performances by volunteers from Independence, seniors can expect a visit from Santa and Chick-fil-A’s Santa Cow!! Many local businesses have also donated gifts for the seniors, and each senior will go home with a tote bag full of goodies and items donated by members of the community.
The Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party would not be possible without the generosity of many local sponsors. The Chamber of Commerce would like to extend its thanks to title sponsor Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center as well as Primis Mortgage, Massage Sanctuary, PNC Bank, Dermatology Care of Charlotte, and Archwell Health.
“Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center is excited to be the presenting sponsor for the annual Chamber of Commerce Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon,” said Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center President Joy Greear. “What an exciting time it will be for everyone to be back together in festive outfits, big smiles, and to anticipate a fun-filled day of gifts, surprises, good food, and special entertainment! It has been such a long time since we’ve been able to gather in person, and we hope everyone will join us for the event. Special thanks to the numerous volunteers who are working like Santa’s elves behind the scenes to deliver a magical day! Cheers to the Chamber of Commerce and Independence High School for partnering to make this the best event yet!”
The Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party will take place at Independence High School on Saturday, December 3, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The event is free, and there is no registration required.
