Scottish heritage, entertainment, friends, and lots of music and dancing can be found at the 58th annual Tartan Ball on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 8 pm to midnight at Rainbow Gardens in Erie, PA.
Always on the first Saturday in March, The Pipes and Drums of Erepa Grotto have been sponsoring the dance since January 25, 1953.
What began under chairman Bill MacMurtrie with a single bagpiper and two highland dancers has evolved into a full blown Celtic party with more than fifteen pipers and drummers, five Scottish dancers, and several guest bands throughout the years including the 48th Highlanders, Metro Toronto Police, 87th Cleveland Pipes and Drums, and the Erie Thunderbirds Drum and Bugle. It is now one of the most victorious and thriving community events around Erie.
This year’s theme salutes our military and first responders, with entertainment from The Pipes and Drums of Erepa Grotto and guest band, The Erie Thunderbirds. The Blues Beaters will be on hand for guests’ dancing pleasures. The Anita Mountain Highland Dancers will once again grace the dance floor with their Scottish dancing, and Lou Baxter, the News Director of JET TV 24, will be the master of ceremonies.
Although there is no specific dress code, patrons’ outfits usually range from simple jeans and a t-shirt to glamorous, flowing dresses. As I’ve been an attendant at the dance, I have found another use for my old high school dresses and prom gowns.
Guests may also be of any age and may bring as much food and drink as they wish. At this ball, anything goes; of course you must be 21 for alcoholic beverages.
The cost is $15 per ticket, but since the band is a philanthropic group, most of the proceeds are donated to commendable, worthy charities such as the Achievement Center and free dentistry for handicapped children.
The Tartan Ball always brings in a large group, and many people return year after year. If you really want some cultural entertainment, dancing, and fun, bring your dancing shoes to Rainbow Gardens for the 58th annual Tartan Ball. At the end of the night, you won’t regret it, even though your feet might.
For more information on the Tartan Ball and the Pipes and Drums of Erepa Grotto, visit http://www.tartanball.net/.
