Rockin’ Around the Dock - a Fun-tastic 50’s Party!

Our annual lake party took place on Saturday, August 9^th. There was some concern as it was rainy and windy early in the day. The sun broke through and it warmed up just in time for the party. We had a rockin' good time!

We arranged the tables on the patio to look like a diner.  Our hostess, Shirley, a retired caterer, coordinated the dinner, so we called it Shirley's Diner.

I adapted an old menu and some diner ad clipart to make table menus.  My husband made the menu holders:

After dinner, the youngest party guests competed in a hula hoop contest for prizes.

Not to be outdone, the 50 and up group also attempted a hula hoop competition.  I am happy to report that no one was seriously injured during the contests.

  A favorite tradition is the Blind Auction.  We each bring things - old or new - gift wrapped.  The auctioneer takes bids.  We have no clue what we are bidding on or what we'll get.  It could be a set of candlesticks, a picture frame, a bar of soap or an old donut maker.  Competition is fierce in this auction. 

Below, my husband admires a set of cute character candles he won.  He placed a high bid, based on the Victoria's Secret bag.  You never know what you will get!

This group loves games, and none more than the treasure hunt.  This year, I made the first clue look like a record.  I "broke" each record in four pieces and labeled them with letters.  Each hunter drew a piece, found his or her teammates and took off in search of the next clue.  This game is a great ice breaker to get people acquainted.

 Later on, we moved to the pavillion, which was decorated like a sock hop, for some music and dancing.

Friends gathered around the fire pit to watch the dancing and karaoke.

Yes, we sang karaoke.  Left to right above: my daughter, Sarah, me, my closest friend, Eileen and her daughter, Julie.  We belted out a spirited rendition of "Stand by your Man", probably with more enthusiasm than talent.  We got a fair amount of applause, either because we were good or because we were finished.

We had a sing-a-long and everyone from grandmas to babies kept warm by the fire.

A good time was had by all.  We're already planning next year's party.  Our theme will be Mardi Gras!  Who wants to join us?