Welcome warmer weather with a spring, and a swing, in your step as the St. Charles Park District presents the all-ages event, Swing into Summer Barn Dance, from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Primrose Farm.
“People enjoy coming out to dance in our historic barn and having a nice evening outside,” said Alison Jones, manager of farm programs and interpretive services for the park district.
This living history and agricultural space, which includes several restored buildings and expansive grounds, centers on life in the 1930s and 40s—the period in which swing music and dancing were popular across the country.
Shout Section Big Band will keep things lively all night long as participants learn basic swing dance steps from Geneva-based studio, Vargo’s Dance. Beginner swing dance lessons will take place at 6:15 p.m. Live music and dancing will begin at 7 p.m.
“The steps can be danced for many of the songs the band will perform,” Jones said.
When dancers need a minute to catch their breath, they are invited to walk the barnyard and meet the farm’s newest calf, lamb and chick residents. Other animals at Primrose include horses, goats, cows, and donkeys.
The evening will also offer the opportunity to enjoy a wagon ride around the large property, which includes community garden plots.
Other activities include a pie baking contest. Participants are encouraged to bring a homemade pie with them for judging based on taste and appearance. All attendees will be able to enjoy a slice of the entries.
Also enhancing the fun will be a costume contest.
“The costume contest invites participants to wear their best 30s and 40s-era dress and then attendees vote on the costume that they like the best,” Jones said. “Winners receive free admission to next year’s barn dance.”
A food truck from Angelo Caputo’s will be on-site for dancers who work up an appetite. Diners can take a seat at nearby picnic tables and enjoy their meal under a night sky.
Tickets purchased in advance are $18 per person. Tickets at the door are $20 apiece.
To learn more or to register for the barn dance, go to primrosefarm.org.