A Christmas party slated for Friday at the Friendship Table doesn’t involve strangers looking for a bite to eat. The annual event is truly a family affair, according to Barbara Shufran, chairperson of the Friendship Table.

The event, which has been held for 19 years, is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday at the soup kitchen along East Corydon Street.

Shufran said she is projecting around 150 people to attend the party. “It’s very popular. We get a huge turnout,” she said.

Ray Ely of Kane will perform Christmas tunes on his accordion and possibly some polka music.

“So, we’re very excited and looking forward to it,” Shufran said.

The party will also include Christmas caroling, games as well as the inaugural Karaoke to Christmas carols.

Verizon is sponsoring the annual event and will provide pizza and chicken wings.

“We’re going to have a fun menu,” Shufran said, which will also include pasta, desserts, a tray of cookies and possibly fruit salad.

The party could be the only such Christmas event some local residents head to, Shufran said.

“We’ve been a happy Friendship Table family,” she noted.

Employees from Verizon will also volunteer at the event.