Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts “Stars & Stripes USO Dance”

On Saturday, Aug. 29, guests at the Stars & Stripes USO Dance hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce will be able to step back in time to a different era for an evening of dancing, music, refreshments and more that will whisk them back to America’s home front during World War II.

The dance is the brainchild of three Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce Directors (Dan Franus, Bob Rivers and David DeCaria) who are enthusiastic about sharing a bit of the past with others.

“The USO dance isn’t a strictly military function,” Franus, of Franus Architectural, says. “We are hosting a function that highlights an unforgettable era in the history of the United States. This dance is to honor an era in our history where the county worked together for a common goal, for a common good. That wonderful sense of camaraderie and support that people felt when they went to a USO function is a feeling we hope to recreate on Aug. 29.”

“We are encouraging everyone to really get into the spirit of things for the dance,” Franus continues. “There will be swing music and big band sounds, WWII posters on the walls and much more. We want people to dress up in their old WWII uniforms or their grandmothers’ best dancing dress from the 1940’s. Raid your grandparents’ attic, visit a costume shop or theater group – there are so many ways to find that perfect World War II outfit! There will be prizes for the best costumes and hairstyles as well as a dance contest to keep things lively.”

The Chamber of Commerce will also be displaying memorabilia and poster reproductions from World War II and the same refreshments typically served at 1940’s USO Dances, including donuts and coffee. The Sons of Italy will also offer a cash bar for anyone wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages.