For the young and young at heart, monthly dances are returning to the Southern Boone Senior Center after a year and a half absence.
Dances are from 7-10 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month, kicking off this weekend at 406 Douglas Drive in Ashland.
Interim senior center President June Lenger said the Osage Drifters band will perform this month. Shades of Blue will take the stage in September and October, Hambo Latham is slated for November, and a group from Harrisburg will close out the year.
Come 2022, Osage Drifters have the monthly gig booked all year.
It costs $5 to attend the dance, and a finger foods are served potluck-style around 8:30 p.m. No smoking or alcohol is permitted on site.
While held at the senior center, Lenger said the dances are open to the entire community, and she hopes to start bringing in a younger crowd - though she quipped, "we have a lot of 'young' old people."
Since it's the first dance after a long pandemic-induced absence, Lenger said she's unsure how many people to expect Saturday, though in the past, the dances had a loyal following of 40-70 people.
"For people who like to dance, they follow the dances," she noted saying regular attendees come from across the area including Jefferson City, Columbia, Fulton and Boonville.
While not required, masks are encouraged and will be available at the senior center for those who would like one.