Community Center hosts junior high dance

TOM PINNEY/DAILY FORUM
A punk rock princess and a star child lead the assembled adolescents through the Cupid Shuffle during Friday night’s Halloween Dance at the Maryville Community Center.

More than 100 fifth through seventh graders spent some time Friday night hanging out with friends at the Maryville Community Center’s annual Halloween Dance.

Jordyn Swalley, Maryville Parks and Recreation’s special events and marketing manager, said the annual event hasn’t been around for long, but it has been popular so far.

“It’s only in its fourth year, but we’re getting a lot of kids who come out to it,” Swalley said. “Last year we had somewhere between 130 and 150 come.

“Anyone who wants to come in those grade levels can come. We don’t limit it to those who pre-register.”

In addition to the dance itself, the event sponsors a costume contest where volunteers judge the costumed children and award the top three. Club Dub DJ came out and provided the music and light show.

Swalley said the event was great for area children because it keeps them safe.

“The dance allows kids to spend some time with other kids their age under supervision,” Swalley said. “It’s great for them to get to spend time with their friends outside of school.”

TOM PINNEY/DAILY FORUM
Cleopatra and Catwoman dance their troubles away to the tunes of the Club Dub DJ. The two were among more than 100 fifth through seventh graders at the Maryville Community Center on Friday night.