Let's Go To The Hop!
By Sharon Letts - The Eureka Reporter
The Sock Hop kicks off the Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo weekend in a big way on Friday at 8pm and lasts until midnight. Admission at Fortuna's beautiful River Lodge is $5 at the door with a no-host bar. Snacks are available.
The Sock Hop started jumpin' in 2001 and Mary Goodale has been chairperson ever since.
"It's a lot of fun," said Kathy Wildgrube, who helps out on the committee. "Each year we seek out a distinctive band to play dance music from the past."
"Participants of the AutoXpo receive a free ticket in their judging packets," Wildgrube said.
According to Wildgrube, it's a family event, but minors should be accompanied by an adult.
Didn't you also have a record changer like this one? We had a light blue RCA-Victor...
There is security in the parking lot, as many attendees arrive in style in their AutoXpo cars.
"The Cruise on Main Street lasts until 7:30pm and the participants have 30 minutes to change and come on over to the dance," Wildgrube said.
Wildgrube said that costumes range from bellhop outfits, poodle skirts and pony tails for the girls to cuffed-up jeans with white T-shirts and greased back hair for the boys.
"Younger kids are really getting into it now," said Wildgrube, "They are the ones who stay until midnight, and they have a blast."
According to Wildgrube, there is a Hula-hoop contest that's sure to draw a crowd, and prizes for the best dressed.
There is also a Dutch Auction of items donated by local merchants. "In the past, we've had all sorts of things donated," Wildgrube said. "Things like car care products, car batteries, jewelry, you name it."