Starting somewhere around 1990 Arn held a yearly Contra and English Country dance in his house. A big feature was the Potluck Dinner, sometimes there was a band and a good time was had by all. As Arn's dance cravings changed, Cajun and Zydeco were added to the mix and by 1998 it was pure Cajun and Zydeco with up to 100 people attending the party. Then in 1999 the toilet clogged--nothing else needs to be said about that, but it along with the effort of moving all the furniture to and from the garage was sufficient for Arn to stop holding parties at his house.
Around 2003 Gerry said he missed the parties and asked Arn to do it again. Arn agreed, but only if we could find a facility to hold the party. Gerry and Arn found the Elks Club, in Warren, NJ and the Danceathon was born. It was a one day party for a few years, until 2006 when Ron wanted to celebrate his divorce as part of the Danceathon. We agreed to hold the party on the Sunday following the Danceathon, and served breakfast accompanied by dance music. The two day Danceathon was born.
We continued on for a few years. By now the Saturday Potluck Dinner was huge, and the Sunday morning breakfast with Cajun and Zydeco dance music was a tradition. We also added a huge wooden dance floor covered by a tent, but in 2008 attendance sagged as gas prices soared. We decided to go back to a one day event in order to reduce our expenses.
A dance friend knowing how much effort was needed to prepare the Elks Club for the party, suggested the Deutscher Club in Clark, NJ. We thought it was ideal: wood dance floor, stage big enough for a small orchestra, tables and chairs, all covered by a huge pavilion with roll down clear plastic sides in case of rain. Ideal for the Danceathon and the Deutscher Club's Polka Dances. Oh there's also an outdoor beer garden, separate kitchen and great indoor plumbing. We won't miss the porta-potties, except perhaps for the person (you know who you are) who always volunteered to stir them.
The 2009 event was a huge success and the Deutcher Club was a great facility. We were at the Deutcher Club for 2010 with a great mix of Cajun, Zydeco and Rockabilly music. While 2010 was a great party, the 102F degree temperature stopped many people from attending and we sustained a severe financial loss, almost ending the party.
For 2011 we found a more affordable, air conditioned hall and we are back. We have scaled back the number of bands and the admission price, however we are maintaining the great dancing, socializing, food and beverages.