Great Balls of Fire: 16th annual Spring Ball

Rumour is, the Mayor is a closet rockabilly fan and hit the dance floor regularly in the 60s. (That's only a rumour.)

You know that warmer weather is never too far away when the folk down at the Castlemaine Community House start planning for their annual Spring Ball. Now in its sixteenth year, the Spring Ball is the major fundraiser for the Community House. 11 September, Castlemaine Town Hall. Be there or miss out big time.

Hot on the heals of the sizzling 2009 Mardi Gras theme, and after the great success of a disco theme in 2008, this year’s Ball once again looks to a line up of local talent headed up by Penny Larkins and Carl Pannuzzo.  Forget about the woes of winter – it’s time to throw on your poodle skirts and letter sweaters, grab your partner, and get ready to twist again with the 1950s sound of Carl Pannuzzo and the BA-NA-NAHS.

The music of the 50s was a grab-bag of ballads, R&B, blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Through the fusion of these styles of music, fantastic dance songs and styles were introduced, setting dance floors across the globe on fire. You’ll hear great covers of At the Hop, Let’s Twist Again, Its My Party and Leader of the Pack. In between sets showcasing the works of Elvis, Little Richard and Bill Hayley, DJ Duck ‘n’ Cover will spin the beats and award prizes to the best dressed – the King and Queen of Spring Ball 2010. Spring Ball is your chance to let your hair down, raid the depths of your wardrobe and truly frock up.

Spring Ball has become an institution on the Mount Alexander social calendar and has gained recognition beyond the Shire, with people travelling from Bendigo, Melbourne and even from interstate. With great music, terrific atmosphere and sensational catering – the supper cakes alone are worth the price of admission – Spring Ball is a highly acclaimed night out.  First and foremost, however, Spring Ball is an opportunity for the community to come together, to celebrate the hard work, difficult struggles and great successes that have been achieved throughout the past year. Spring Ball is open to everyone and everyone is invited to come along and have a great time.

On the serious side, now more than ever the Community House will be looking to funds raised from this year’s ball to assist them in relocating to new premises at the end of 2010. Castlemaine Community House turns 25 in 2010, having spent a quarter of a century engaged in active community partnerships and projects. Currently based in the School of Mines building, the House will be on the move again when the local  Council looks to purchase the building at the end of this year. Funds from this year’s Spring Ball will be used to implement an Accommodation Action Plan designed to identify a suitable permanent home for the Community House.

Get behind your Community House, get along to this year’s Spring Ball and get ready for some serious dance floor action! Tickets on sale now from Green Goes the Grocer, Templeton Street. Numbers are strictly limited and tables are highly sought after so don’t miss out. Volunteers and helpers are always welcome to assist in preparing for the great event, with help required in decorating, catering, setting up and packing down. If you can assist and want to be involved in this fantastic community celebration call the Community House on 5472 4842.