By J.R. Tidwell / Editor

Visitors who trek to Senior Connection in Clanton on Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon will be taken on a journey back in time.

A time when poodle skirts, scarves, leather jackets and rolled sleeves were found in every malt shop in America.

The venue will be hosting a sock hop and tailgate party for any seniors who wish to attend. Admission is free, and you do not have to be a member of Senior Connection to attend.

“This is something to give back to the seniors,” said Senior Connection director Vanessa McKinney. “They work hard and raise funds for us all the time. We have to do that to have what we have and do what we do. The members like dancing, and they like the theme. It brings back things from their era. They love that. It’s one of their favorites.”

Fifties-era music will be played during the event. Attendees will also have a chance to sing themselves if they so choose. If you do not wish to dress up in ’50s attire, one can wear attire that supports your favorite sports team.

“We are going to have karaoke again from Michael Mims,” McKinney said. “We will have all the old ’50s music. The tailgate part, if you want to wear your favorite team colors, Auburn or Alabama or whatever, we will have that. We will have some games and other things going on.”

The sock hop and tailgate party proved to be a hit last year, so McKinney and Senior Connection decided to bring the event back.

“Everyone dressed up,” she said. “We had one lady who wore her original cheerleading outfit. It was really cool. Turnout was good, and we had a great time.”

McKinney said Senior Connection has partnered with a home healthcare provider for the event. Refreshments will be available.

“We will have hot dogs and lunch,” she said.

While organizing the events Senior Connection holds each month is not that difficult, McKinney said having a partner helps.

“It’s not very hard,” she said. “We like to put up all the decorations and things like that. If we partner with a home health or a similar group, that takes a load off of us. Any group we can partner with in the community helps us. It’s not that hard, we just want to get bodies in the door and keep them happy. That’s the main thing.”

Senior Connection is located at 304 Park Plaza, just down from Fred’s.