SBLDC celebrants relax. (Photo by Lynda Fraley)
Lynda Fraley
On Oct. 30, sometimes referred to as “Mischief Night” by children in North America and beyond, celebrated by pranking one’s neighbors, 48 well-behaved dancers and guests from SaddleBrooke Line Dance Company (SBLDC) gathered at Whiskey Roads for a ghastly gala in honor of Halloween.
In attendance were a pale-faced dead bride (Claudia Riggs) clad in black silk and lace from crown to toe and even carrying a bouquet of black silk roses, who snagged the first-place prize for her costume. The costumes ranged from deranged to patriotic to adorable. In the latter category, there was Raggedy Ann, a conductor on the B&O Railroad, Miss Frizzle, a charming Swiss dancing girl, a cowgirl, a leopard, and a flower child! In the former category, there was an ax murderer! Capturing the second-place prize, Chelsea Brougher sported a colorful witch’s outfit with matching wig. Finally, third-place contestant Mary Ann Arrey was outfitted as an elegant, red-haired witch.
In addition to the costume contest, revelers danced, dined, and drank. The Music, Dance, and Social Committees did an outstanding and imaginative job of choosing familiar Halloween oldies, such as “Poison Ivy,” “Somebody’s Watching Me,” “Werewolves of London,” “The Lurch,” “You Put a Spell on Me,” and countless other themed hits.
After numerous songs, the line dancers led their partners to the floor for an open-dance session or took a dinner break to refresh and chat with one another. Recollecting Halloweens past, Shirley Miller remarked that she had acquired her B&O Railroad conductor’s overalls 30 years ago, because her husband is an avid rail buff. Mary Ann Arrey recollected that her favorite Halloween costume from 20 years ago enabled her to win Silver City, N.M.’s contest at the Buffalo Bar. There, she was clad as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, whose campy, sexy humor made her the favorite of movie-goers. Dancer Kaye Caulkins revealed that her favorite costume ever was not hers but her husband David’s. David, CEO of the bank where he worked, was persuaded to play Goldilocks to The Three Bears who worked for him and who had provided the Goldilocks costume.
Once again, a big thank you to the Social Committee, the dance leaders, and the Music and Dance Committees for making this, and all SBLDC dances, a hit!
If you want in on the fun, please see our website sbldc.weebly.com for membership details.