By Marisa Dawson

What started as a way to beat the winter blues has grown into a long-running and meaningful tradition for Bennington. The annual Party Time Dance returns this weekend, marking its 39th year of bringing the community together to raise money for a local family in need- this year, the Goertz family.

The event began nearly four decades ago when six local couples decided February was simply too cold and dreary not to have something to look forward to.

“They just wanted to party,” said Tim Dreessen, whose parents were among the founders. “It was the middle of winter, and they said, ‘Let’s get together, let’s have a good time.’ And it just grew from there.”

The original Party Time Dance was founded by:

• Wayne and Shelia Dreessen
• Dick and Leanna Flynn
• Dwayne and Vicki Pruess
• Lynn and Betty Pruess
• Denny and Maryann Laaker
• Merle and Connie Ashmore

The group brought in a band from Scribner, Nebraska (Velvet Haze) who returned year after year, playing the dance for three decades. The event quickly evolved into a benefit, with proceeds going to individuals and families in the Bennington community facing medical hardships, loss, or unexpected tragedy.

After 30 years, the founding couples passed the torch to the next generation.

For the past nine years, the dance has been organized by a new group of Bennington residents, many of whom grew up attending the event themselves.

Today’s Party Time Dance crew includes:

• Jeff and Nicki Flynn
• Nic and Stacy Laue
• Jim and Kelly Witt
• Doug and Angie Smith
• Chad and Heather Krejci
• Tim Dreessen

“My parents did this for 30 years, and then they were done,” said Stacy Laue. “So we picked up the baton and just kept going.”

Laue said many of the current organizers are connected to Bennington Public Schools as teachers, coaches, or mentors, which often helps them identify families in the community who could benefit from the fundraiser.

“This year, it’s an honor to be able to support the Goertz family,” she said. “They’ve been part of our circle for a long time.”

While the event raises thousands of dollars each year, organizers emphasize that the atmosphere is anything but somber. “It’s never felt sad,” Dreessen said. “People come to have fun, to dance, to enjoy themselves, but they also know they’re doing something good.”

Laue echoed that sentiment, describing the dance as a celebration of generosity and togetherness. “Everyone who shows up is making a difference,” she said. “People are happy to give. They’re grateful they have the opportunity to help.”

Attendance has steadily grown over the years, with organizers estimating 400–500 people attending recent dances. Despite the growth, one thing has never changed: admission is still just $10 at the door, the same price it’s been since the very beginning. Donations of any amount above admission are also accepted and go directly to the family chosen for the proceeds.

“We never want to raise the price and chase anyone away,” Dreessen said.

No advance tickets are required. Donations are accepted at the door via cash, check, or Venmo.

The dance will be held at The Barn (15220 Military Rd), featuring live music from a local band made up of Bennington graduates who donate their time each year. Attendees can expect full bars, dancing, and a packed house filled with friends- both familiar faces and newcomers who have heard about the event through word of mouth.

“That’s one of my favorite parts,” Laue said. “Talking to people and finding out where they came from and how they heard about it. Every year it reaches farther beyond Bennington.”

After nearly four decades, the Party Time Dance continues to do what it has always done best: bring people together, lift families up, and make a long Nebraska winter a little warmer.

And with the 40th anniversary on the horizon next year, organizers say the celebration is far from slowing down.