Silver City’s old-fashioned sock hop tonight

Silver City’s Community Center will be the location for a family-friendly, old-fashioned sock hop this evening.

The fun starts with a vintage swing dance lesson by Yaples Ballroom instructors at 6:30 p.m., and the dance gets under way at 7 p.m. Entrance fee is by donation to children’s programs and to the local community garden.

Organizers are encouraging people to dress in 1950s fashions, and those in costume will have a chance to enter a prize drawing. The evening will include a soda fountain with old time ice cream sodas and baked goods, too.

Proceeds will benefit the Summer Youth Program, which is open to the region.

“We want to give the kids something positive to do, and it gives families something to do with their children that doesn’t cost anything so they can have enriching experiences together,” said leader Sara Ross.

The summer program normally runs for several hours on two days of the week June through August, and includes educational enrichment activities in science, art, gardening, music, theater, exercise and cooking. Adults are asked to stay and help with clean up and supervision and to enjoy activities along with their children.

Donations will also be accepted for the Silver City Community Garden, which begins its sixth season this summer. It serves as a site where locals can garden and can share gardening tips with one another. Surplus produce is grown for the town’s monthly dinner socials. In a new development, this summer the gardening committee plans to host a farm stand at Doodads Emporium on Main Street in Silver City. Watch for their signs this summer and stop by to try their fresh eggplant, lemon thyme, tomatoes, chard and more.

For more information, contact Quest Lakes at 287-7598. Silver City’s Community Center is adjacent to the town park, at 385 High Street. Silver City Community Partners group is a part of Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey.