Bozeman Magazine

Polish up your boots, practice your steps and grab your partner: the Park County Senior Center is kicking off summer with its First Annual Old Fashioned Barn Dance!

This open-to-all-ages, fun-for-the-whole-family event will be held on Friday, June 23, beginning at 5:30 at the Senior Center, 206 South Main St. Dancing to country-western tunes, as well as schottisches (a partnered country dance), waltzes, polkas and round dances as performed by the Naughty Pine and Louie Armentaro Band will run until 9 p.m.

"The band combines the talents of three outstanding local musicians who make music that makes folks want to move their feet, playing lots of familiar tunes and new ones too," said Nicole Divine, executive director of the Senior Center. "And that meets our mission of promoting the physical, intellectual and social well-being of our seniors."

Barn dance chow, including brisket, chicken, barbecued beans and corn bread from the Northern Pacific Beanery are included in the ticket price, as well as peach and cherry cobblers from Meals on Wheels topped by Wilcoxson's ice cream. Wine, and beer from Neptune's Brewery, will be offered at a cash bar. Extensive Western decorations will convince party-goers they have been transported to a traditional barn.

Along with "dancin' and eatin'," more entertainment will be on tap: wagon rides through Sacajawea Park for a small fee will recall bringin' in the hay, while a free petting zoo sponsored by Park County 4-H will feature many farm and ranch animals appropriate for all ages. Additionally, hoofers and spectators alike will be able to take home a memory of their evening adventure with a picture from the photo booth sponsored by Sky Federal Credit Union. Lucky bidders will be able to claim a keepsake in a wide-ranging silent auction, for which local businesses and artisans have donated more than 100 items.

"More than just a good time, though, the Old Fashioned Barn Dance is an important fundraiser for the Senior Center," Divine added. "We need to replace the sidewalks on the Lewis Street side of our downtown Livingston building, which houses our community center, local businesses, nonprofits and 24 apartments for lower income residents over the age of 62. We're also planning to install a new security system for the residents."

Admission is $10 for individuals or $25 for a family of four. Tickets will be available at the door, or in advance at the Senior Center. For more information, call Diane Gracey at 406-333-2276.