Calling all cowboys and cowgirls: the Andover/North Andover YMCA invites you to saddle up for a boot-scootin' good time at the 13th annual Dallas Night family barbecue.
The family-friendly event usually draws around 400 people, many in cowboy hats, bandanas and other Western garb, for an outdoor cookout, music, dancing and other activities for pseudo-Texans young and old. The event is open to the community, YMCA members and nonmembers alike.
Special musical guest at this year's event will be Angela West and her band Showdown, the Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association entertainer of the year, said Elizabeth Covino, marketing and public relations director for the Merrimack Valley YMCA and Dallas Night committee member.
Line dancing is encouraged and lessons will be given for beginners. There will be pony rides, crafts and activities for children, and door prizes.
There is also a cowboy and cowgirl parade, for children dressed in Western duds. YMCA staff will hand out sheriff badges to children to complete their ensembles.
Attendees might want to bring a Texas-sized appetite, because dinner includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, baked beans, corn bread, watermelon and corn on the cob. There will be three timed seatings for dinner, to allow families to eat in an organized fashion and keep the evening running smoothly.
To get the authentic Lone Star State feeling, organizers at the Andover/North Andover YMCA contact the YMCA in Dallas every year, and are supplied with T-shirts and other Dallas-themed prizes to give away.
Thirteen years ago, the idea for the first Dallas Night came from Colleen Mongell, membership director. She had previously worked at a YMCA in New York City that held its Dallas Night on the rooftop of its building.
Dallas Night is not a fundraiser for the YMCA; money raised from ticket sales goes toward the food, music and renting the dunk tank and ponies for the evening.
Hey y'all: get in touch with your inner Texan at Dallas Night
r 13th annual Dallas Night celebration and family BBQ
r Thursday, July 24, 5:30 p.m.
r Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., Andover
r Dinner seating times are 5:45, 6:15 and 6:45 p.m.
r Tickets can be purchased in advance at the YMCA member services desk for $10 each, $35 per family, or at the door the night of the event for $12 each, $40 per family
r Special musical guest Angela West and her band Showdown, the Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association entertainer of the year
r For information, contact the Andover/North Andover YMCA at 978-685-3541
