- Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 June 2014 23:44
The Stockdale Volunteer Fire Department will present an Appreciation Night Oldies Dance Saturday, July 12 from 7 to 11 p.m. at its spacious recreation and parking complex. The event is free.
Al Marcy, first assistant chief and entertainment chairman at SVFD, said the event will be held to "emphasize our gratitude to the thousands of people who have supported our dances over the past 57 years" (1957-2014).
The outdoor dance will be a BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything – food, soft drinks and other liquid refreshments) event. The firemen will sell hamburgers and hot dogs.
"We're encouraging people to bring their lawn chairs or beach blankets and relax and dance under the stars," Marcy said.
Disc jockey Ralph Trilli, co-host of Cruisin' Sunday on WJPA in Washington, will provide music from the 1950s and early 1960s and also songs for line dancing, free style and Shag aficionados.
The original record hops for teenagers began on Saturday, December 21, 1957 at the Stockdale fire hall and ran through 1964. Attendance at those dances often numbered 1,000 young people. In addition to "recorded hits of the day," those record hops featured live performances by national recording artists.
Attendance at dances that have followed the anniversary celebration has averaged 500.
In the event of inclement weather, the free dance on July 12 will be moved inside at the firemen's social center.
Additional information is available at 724-350-5192.
