Rock ’n’ roll is here to stay with adult fall dance festival

By Ginna Young

Get ready for some old-time rock ’n’ roll, with The Whitesidewalls performing at a Fall Dance Festival. Hosted by Community Ed, the dance takes place Saturday, Nov. 16, from 7-10 p.m., at the Cornell High School.

“I have had several requests to have The Whitesidewalls back to the area,” said Community Ed director Kristine Hemenway. “They have been here in the past and were a big hit.”

Previously, the group performed their rock ’n’ roll revue, set as a live radio station broadcast. However, this time around, the band will stick to the ’50s and ’60s songs that some may have grown up listening to.

“I wanted to do something for the adults in the area and I thought a night of socializing, dancing, reminiscing, etc., would be fun,” said Hemenway.

Participants can make it a “dinner and dancing date night,” as Sam’s Place in Cornell, will offer a special that day, from 4-7 p.m. Sweethearts or those young at heart, can stop in and have a burger, fries and a shake for a reduced rate.

Once couples arrive to cut a rug, they can write their bid down for a silent auction to benefit the Support the Troops program, which sends care packages to overseas soldiers from the area.

Tickets are on sale at KJ’s Fresh Market, Northwestern Bank, Citizens State Bank, and the Cornell and Lake Holcombe 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CLC), but after Nov. 8, tickets will only be available through the CLC or at the door the night of the event. There’s also a price increase, so dancers are encouraged to swap out their saddle shoes for running shoes, and get tickets before they go up.

For those coming as a couple, a discount on two tickets is only available until Nov. 8.

Hemenway says ’50s and ’60s costumes are not only welcome, but encouraged.

“I would love to make this an annual event,” said Hemenway. “I will see how this one goes and take it from there.”