Reporter-News photo by Nellie Doneva The Lone Star Steppers perform during the annual Senior Jamboree at the Abilene Civic Center. Informational booths on a variety of subjects important to senior citizens were lined up at the center.

Marie Hart Holladay, who has been dancing for 18 of her 87 years, showed off her line dancing skills Tuesday when she performed with the Lone Star Steppers at Abilene's annual Senior Jamboree.

"It's good exercise," said Holladay, a retired postal worker who now works five days a week at the Rose Park Senior Activity Center. "I love music, and I love dancing."

The celebration, which took place at the Abilene Civic Center, drew a crowd of at least 700, said Julie Sartor, program supervisor with the city of Abilene and an event coordinator.

Sartor said the event is a way for seniors to get out and learn more about issues and services they may find interesting. They also have the opportunity to get vision, hearing and blood screenings.

Vendors included home health care, assisted living, and motorized wheelchair companies.

Cole Nance, a hearing aid technician with West Texas Rehabilitation Center, said about 25 seniors had visited the rehab's trailer for a hearing screening as of 11 a.m., and he expected more before the seniors adjourned for lunch at noon.

The technicians provided vouchers and information about formal screenings to seniors who may have hearing problems.

Spanky Barclay performed with the Breckenridge Hotfooters, a group he formed eight years ago when he moved to the city and discovered there were no bowling or clogging leagues.

"I didn't have the money to build a bowling alley, so I just started a clogging group," Barclay said.

Barclay, 78, said the group has performed the last three years at the jamboree to show seniors they can still participate in activities, even though they are growing older.'