Swing INTO
SUMMER The Primrose Farm Barn Dance is back By Erika Young | Photos provided by St. Charles Park District
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here’s no better way to swing into summer than with the annual Barn Dance held at Primrose Farm on May 21. With music provided by Shout Section Big Band, directed by Brett Dean, and dance lessons courtesy of Vargo’s Dance in Geneva, this evening under the stars at the Farm promises to be a jive-hot step back in time. Not one to rest on the laurels of previous exceedingly popular events, Alison Jones, manager of farm programs and interpretive services, and the farm staff have kicked things up a notch for this year’s highstepping night of fun and food and fancy footwork. But for anyone whose footwork may be less than fancy, the folks from Vargo’s Dance will be providing dance lessons to help dancers get in the — well, swing of things. The Farm will open its doors at 5:50 p.m. to allow plenty of time to check in before dance lessons begin at 6:15 p.m. And learning swing dance can be that much more fun if one dresses in costumes of the era. Anyone wearing
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FAMILY IN FOCUS MAY 2022
period-appropriate clothes from the 1930s and ’40s can choose to participate in a costume competition. This contest will reward creativity and authenticity in capturing the era through vintage clothes and accessories, so get ready to raid your grandma’s closet or sift through area thrift stores. Just as taking a break from the rigors of seasonal chores at events such as barn dances was a popular form of entertainment for farm families back in the 1930s, so was the chance to show off the fruits of their harvest and talents in their kitchen with a pie baking contest. In the spirit of keeping it authentic, guests at this year’s barn dance are encouraged to show off more than their Lindy Hop by bringing a homemade pie to compete for bragging rights. During band breaks, pies will be judged based on appearance and taste. Winners will be announced during the final break of the evening. At that point, let the eating begin! “The pies will be served on a first-come, first-served basis,” says Jones. “Previously, this part of the evening has been a big hit, and hopefully we’ll have enough
