The College Park Police Department will host the seventh annual Valentine’s Day senior social Feb. 8.

Held this year at the Georgia International Convention Center’s Italian Suite, the senior social will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

Admission for all seniors 55 and older is free for the event.

Features of the evening will include dancing, with both a DJ and a live band providing music, and a plated dinner.

Those interested in attending must make reservations by Friday by calling (404) 761-3131.

George Williams, public information officer for the department, said the social was first planned as a way to do something special for the city’s seniors.

“About seven years ago, the community’s police officers wanted to put together an appreciation dancer for seniors,” Williams said. “They had been overlooked and we wanted to do something for them.”

Originally, the effort to provide something special for College Park’s seniors began as a small party on Valentine’s Day weekend, but it has since grown to this year’s elegant affair, held at the center for the first time.

Office Angie Clements, who is helping to coordinate the event, said the venue change is due to the expectation of greater attendance.

“Last year we had 30 to 40 people,” she said. “We are doing more advertising this year and expecting 80 to 100.”

The plated dinner will be provided by CulinAero, a new food catering company at the center under the tutelage of Executive Chef Douglas J. Kieley.

Williams said in the past, seniors have expressed nothing but positive feedback and that the same is expected for this year.

“It’s been my experience that they really enjoy that night out,” he said. “They really love it. It is something that they look forward to each year.”

A complimentary shuttle will provide transportation from Princeton Court, the Longino Building and Godby Road Recreation Center.

The center is at 2000 Convention Center Concourse in College Park.