The second annual "Chicken Dinner and Dance" will take place ahead of the Cloverdale Rodeo again this year.
The Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association to put on the event. All proceeds from the dinner and dance will go to support scholarships for youth.
"We've got the same band as last year, Lawless, and they were a hit," said Tania Smythe, Rodeo Association 2nd vice-president. "We'll have a VIP area again. There will also be a silent auction."
She said Turkey Kielesinski from Turkey's Party Makers will be the emcee. She noted Turkey is "quite the host" and that chicken dance-goers "won't be disappointed" with him at the mic.
The dance will be held in Shannon Hall and for $60 attendees will get a BBQ chicken dinner with admission. Those who don't want the dinner, but still want to cut a rug during the post-dinner portion, can enter any time after 8 p.m. Entry will be just $25 and dance-goers can still take part in the silent auction.
"It's old-school fun that Cloverdale hasn't had for a lot of years," Smythe added.
She noted the chicken dance was an historic Chamber and Rodeo event. The dance was held for least 25 years beginning in the early '60s and ending sometime in the late ’80s or early ’90s, making it about a 30-or-so-year break between dances.
Money raised will go to the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation to fund scholarships for post-secondary studies. The scholarships reward Grade 12 students in the community that have volunteered in some capacity with the Rodeo Association and are furthering their education—whatever the post-high school institution.
"It's for the kids," Smythe said. "We raised our scholarships this year by $500. So, if we can make even one extra scholarship with the money, then that would be a success."
She said the dance really is about the community rallying together for a good cause and coming together to get behind the town's biggest event of the year.
"The dance is on May 3, so I see it as a kickoff to Rodeo Month," Smythe said. "It's a chance for everyone to get a head start on rodeo, support a good causae, and have some fun too."
Doors open at 6 p.m. Shannon Hall is located at 6050 176th Street on the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
For more info, or to buy tickets, visit showpass.com and search "chicken dinner."
