By Jaime Thomas
Locals will have a chance to step back in time to the 1950s next weekend at a sock hop at the Granville Hook and Ladder.
The inaugural event, which organizers Steve “Skeeter” Morse and Dan Roberts hope to make an annual happening, will take place Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.
“There’s something for everybody to come out on a Saturday afternoon and have fun,” Roberts said. It won’t just be a basic dance.
Upon entering the firehouse, attendees will be greeted by a transformed, sock-hop era room complete with black and white checkered décor and a mock soda fountain.
“Anything that depicts a sock hop; the firemen will have old-time refreshments like root beer floats, milkshakes, burgers and fries,” Morse said. Those who attend are encouraged to bring a camera for photo shoots by the props.
“It’s family oriented to get a family together and get them out,” Roberts said.
As for the main focus of the event—the dancing—Morse and his Northern Band, featuring Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley, will play from a long list of classics from the late 50s and early 60s. Among other hits will be “Runaround Sue,” “Return to Sender,” “That’ll be the Day” and more.
And what would a sock hop be without Chubby Checker; in fact, there will be a twist contest to go with his famous tunes as well as a hula-hoop contest.
Morse and the fire department have been collaborating for a while on music-oriented events; they want to offer the community something to do in a slow, winter month. Roberts pointed out that many people enjoy dancing and socializing but don’t want to partake in the bar scene.
Morse said the event is a win-win situation, as the fire department benefits from an activity he loves planning and producing.
At the sock hop, everyone is encouraged to dress in their best period wear; for guys that means slicked-back hair, dress shirts, pants and leather or varsity jackets. For gals, that means pony tails, poodle skirts, button-down blouses and saddle shoes with satin or leather jackets.
There will be various prizes for outfits and a 50/50 raffle as well. All proceeds from the dance will benefit the Hook and Ladder.
The cost is $7 for individuals, $12 for couples, $5 for children ages eight to 15 and free for those under eight. For more information call Morse at 518-932-3620.