By Marisa Dawson
The Barn was full Saturday night as hundreds of people packed the dance floor for the 39th annual Party Time Dance, coming together to have fun while supporting a local family in need.
From the moment doors opened, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. Friends greeted one another, dancers filled the floor, and music from Interstate Daydream kept people of all ages moving throughout the night. The local band delivered a wide variety of music, keeping longtime dancers and first-timers alike engaged and on their feet.
For organizers, that energy is exactly what the event has always been about.
“In my opinion, I have never seen somberness,” said organizer Tim Dreessen. “It is kind of a getaway. Everybody comes there to support and just have a really, really, really good time.”
While the purpose of the event is rooted in helping families facing difficult circumstances, Dreessen said the focus has always remained on celebration.
“The enjoyment and the fun- that’s always there,” he said. “It was always there.”
This year’s proceeds will go to support the Goertz family, who have long been part of the Bennington community. Dreessen, who has known the family for many years, called the support well deserved.
“She’s been a staple in the community for quite some time,” he said. “It’s a well deserved thing in a very sad situation.”
Throughout the night, the dance floor stayed crowded as attendees showed off their moves, laughed, and celebrated, a reflection of what organizer Stacy Laue describes as the heart of the event.
“It definitely feels like a celebration,” Laue said. “Even though we’re sometimes there for things that can be kind of hard.”
Laue said one of the most meaningful parts of the dance is seeing how far its reach has grown beyond Bennington.
“It’s just expanded so far beyond the boundaries of Bennington and our local community,” she said. “Every year, that’s my favorite part- just walking around talking to people to figure out what drew them to this event.”
She added that attendees come not only to enjoy the night, but because they want to make a difference.
“The people that show up are grateful givers,” Laue said. “Everybody shows up and they’re happy to be able to make a difference because every single person that shows up is making a difference.”
That generosity has had a lasting impact over the years, according to Dreessen, who has seen firsthand how much the donations mean to recipient families.
“Our recipients last year were absolutely jaw dropping,” he said. “They absolutely could not believe what we did, what we were able to give them at the end.”
Even as the event continues to grow, with organizers estimating 400 to 500 people in attendance each year, the mission remains unchanged.
“We’re just trying to help families out,” Dreessen said. “That’s all we’re trying to do.”
As music played late into the night and dancers continued to fill the floor, Saturday’s event served as another reminder of why the Party Time Dance has endured for nearly four decades: a community coming together, year after year, to support one another, and to have a great time doing it.
