SABATTUS — A couple dozen football-frenzied fans gathered for the first Super Bowl party held at American Legion Post 135 in Sabattus in more than five years.

Of course, the free buffet spread underneath the new 42-inch flat-screen, high-definition television might have had something to do with the crowd.

And then came Judy Cyr playfully yelling “Go Giants!” as she made her way through the door. The crowd — most of whom were decked out in Patriots gear from head to toe — reluctantly agreed to let the Sabattus woman stay.

But only because she’s a member of the post’s Ladies Auxiliary.

“They still love me,” Cyr smiled. “I came to watch these boys cry after the game.”

The good-natured ribbing was exactly what Commander Jim Caron hoped to see for the party, which aimed to use the event as a way promote the post as a great place to go for sporting events, concerts and family gatherings.

“It’s a process,” Caron said. “We’re trying to bring some youth back. “

Aware of its aging membership and dwindling ranks, the post is looking to its future in new and creative ways, including events like Sunday’s family-friendly Super Bowl party. In anticipation of the event, 26-year-old Andre Marquis, a member of the Sons of the American Legion, said the post invested in the updated television, cable and a surround-sound system.

Marquis said he was happy about the turnout for this year’s party and hopes it’s indicative of parties and events to come.

“It’s to get people to realize what a diamond in the rough we have here,” Marquis said of the people coming and going from the Super Bowl bash. “My house isn’t even near close enough to have this many people in it. So this is great.”

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