A group of seniors will be teaching a group of youths how to fully prepare a dinner for an old-fashioned hoedown at an upcoming event in Red Deer.

The Community Hoedown is set for Oct. 26 at the Golden Circle. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 5:30.

A local band, the Swing Kings with special guitarist Joe Gates will provide entertainment for the remainder of the evening.

“I looked into the community and noticed that for the last few years now there has been a generation gap and I wanted to bring people together,” said Sarah Fletcher, the event’s organizer. “I don’t think the younger generation and the older generation talk to each other because they don’t think they speak the same language – that is not true, they both have something to teach each other and that is the purpose of the event.”

Dinner will include ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetables and dessert.

“It will be an old-fashioned dinner.”

Fletcher added she also encourages attendants to bring their musical instruments, as the entertainment will be ‘jam-session’ style.

“The band plays really old-fashioned swing music, so it should be a great time.”

This is the first event of its kind in the City and Fletcher said she hopes to continue and make it an annual event in the future.

“There is already a lot of interest in the event and I am thrilled. I want people to come and have fun and enjoy themselves,” she said. “I’m so excited about doing this and I think it’s a fantastic and unique opportunity. I’m really happy to contribute back to the community.”

Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Children 10 years and under are free. All proceeds will go towards the Golden Circle.

Tickets can be purchased at the Golden Circle or by calling Sarah Fletcher at 403-352-5601.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com