Pettitt’s Athy hosts annual senior citizens party
Pettits Supervalu Athy on annual senior citizens night
A WHOLESOME winter tradition continues at Athy’s Pettit’s Supervalu, which invited elderly people from across the town to the shop for a special gathering.
On Tuesday, November 18 at 6pm, Petitt’s hosted its annual senior citizens night, complete with food, music and great company.
The yearly event, which is some 30 years going strong, involves a lot of organising from Supervalu staff who remove an aisle in the supermarket to accommodate the large crowd.
In its place went a long table topped with plenty of food, from cakes to sandwiches to coffee and tea.
The store went on business as usual, with the heartwarming gathering working as a backdrop for bypassing shoppers, which brought smiles to faces in aisles all over the shop.
Special store discounts for senior citizens were available on the night, spanning from deals across food and drink items instore.
Pat Maher, Manager of Pettit’s, spoke about the night’s "big attendance" year on year: “It's getting bigger every year I think," he said.
Music was available on the night for those in attendance with songs from much-loved singers such as Daniel O’Donnell, which had everyone up, dancing and singing along. A big of waltzing was even reported on the night.
Members from groups Young at Heart and the Carmelites were in attendance at the event.
Pat and the staff at Supervalu handed out gifts to each attendee on the night, which included a voucher for the shop and a tub of sweets to bring home.
Pat had plenty of help this year from staff, who he said he is extremely appreciative of:
“They did an excellent job,” he said. Pat described how the staff came in early to prepare for the party, everything from making the sandwiches to laying out the table.
“A lot of preparation goes into it on the day,” he said. “I’ve gotten a few thank you cards, telling me how brilliant the staff are.”
On account of the full bellies, and even fuller hearts, after this year's event, there is no doubt that the senior citizens party will return to Pettit’s Supervalu next year, and many years to come.
