Crowds Flood Middletown Valentine's Day Dance

Written by Bailey Smith

With the teamwork of dedicated parents and eager volunteers, the Minnie Cannon Boosters knew they were going to be able to organize an unforgettable dance for the community’s elementary schoolers. However, it wasn’t until the crowds of excited children poured into the Lion’s Club last Friday night, that the true success of the event began to unravel. 

The Valentine’s Day Dance flyer that captured the attention of many elementary students and parents.

By the time MHS student volunteers stepped into the Lion’s Club event center, the space was already beautifully adorned with an elaborate balloon arch, wall decorations, and streamers, transforming the place into something completely unrecognizable. What used to be the dull, fluorescent-lighted room, was now a vibrant function, with craft tables, snack areas, a photo booth, and even a DJ. 

It was now five o’clock, organizers and volunteers were still working hard to prepare the space, one of their biggest tasks being blowing up masses of balloons that would cover the floor in a sea of pastel pink. Half an hour later, everything was finally in place and all helpers met together for a quick meeting. Here, they were divided into their specific jobs for the evening, with several people being assigned to the kitchen, a few to the craft area, others to the snack tables, and the remaining were to station around the premises of the room, serving as extra helpers. 

The dance kicked off right at five-thirty, with the party classic “La Chona” drawing the kids out onto the dance floor. It wasn’t long until parents joined the fun, with the DJ’s “parents vs kids” singing battle bringing the room to a whole new level of exuberance. After almost two hours of dancing, the party slowed for a raffle, in which several lucky parents won items from local businesses. 

Following the end of the final song, the room cleared almost as fast as it filled, leaving organizers and volunteers buzzing with the success of the night. Elementary schooler Mahna McAra-Smith shares, “The music was my favorite part”, further showing the joy this event brought to the community’s youth. 

To Middletown, this Valentine’s Day dance was not just a dance; it was a flawless display of the town’s heart and commitment.