Published: June 19, 2009 01:00 pm      

'It makes you feel good' | Windber organization planning sock hops, car and motorcycle cruise-ins

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

Vintage jukeboxes, pinball machines and backdrops will set the scene for traveling back to the ’50s and ’60s.

A series of sock hops, sponsored by Windber Area Visioning Experience, will be held throughout the summer in the ballroom at Windber Recreation Park.

Sock hop dates are Sunday, July 19, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20.

Car and motorcycle cruise-ins will be held at 3 p.m., and dances are planned from 5 to 9.

“We’re going to have five jukeboxes, pinball machines that can be played for free, vintage clocks and pictures of old cars at the drive-in,” said Noretta Haydu, chairwoman of the event.

“It makes you feel good, and takes you back to when you were 16.”

The vintage memorabilia is on loan from the collection of WAVE member Bill Bahorik.

Fred Mock is serving as co-chairman of this year’s sock hops.

Haydu said last year’s sock hops drew good-sized crowds from Windber, Richland, South Fork and throughout the area.

“We play the most popular music, but they can ask for requests,” Haydu said.

“This year, we’re going to have a mix of ’70s music for those a little bit younger.”

Haydu said no one has dressed ’50s-style yet, but they are welcome to put on poodle skirts and saddle shoes if they desire.

Admission is $5, and hamburgers, hot dogs, soda and snacks will be available for purchase.

“We put the money into the town and like to do upgrades at the park.”

WAVE used money from last year’s sock hops to pay for renovations to the ballroom and bathrooms.

This year, the all-volunteer group is talking about putting in lighting at the park so that soccer and tennis can be played in the evenings.

Bahorik also helped pay for new doors on the ballroom and a cement pad outside.

“He’s also responsible for erecting a sign at the entrance to the park that announces upcoming events,” Haydu said.

“He gets everyone revved up.”



Summer series

What: Oldies sock hops sponsored by Windber Area Visioning Experience.

When: Sunday, July 19, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20.

Times: Cruise-ins begin at 3 p.m. Dancing from 5 to 9.

Where: Windber Recreation Park.

Admission: $5.