Once a year, Plant City residents can see their friends, neighbors and co-workers twirling onstage in front of an audience of 400.
This event is Dancing with the Locals, and it will be held Friday, Nov. 13, at the John R. Trinkle Center. The proceeds go to the Noon Rotary Club and the United Food Bank of Plant City.
The event raised $13,000 last year. Organizers have high hopes that the 2015 show will raise even more.
“This event is completely different than any fundraiser you will go too,” Carmen Brownlee, one of three Dancing with the Locals judges, said. “It is very entraining and dynamic while still donating to a great cause.”
The night of Nov. 13 will mark the eighth year of the performance. The judges, performers and people involved are confident that the show will not disappoint.
“Each couple has their own twist,” event organizer Jodi Stevens said. “It’s a lot of fun to watch them.”
This year there will be 10 couples. Some of the performers include a father and daughter duo, two hairdressers and two avid athletes.
“Every year it’s a different flair,” Stevens said. “We have 10 really great couples, and the dancers are what make it.”
There will be two awards given out to the performers: one for best dancers and one for most money raised.
“The dancers are willing to give up so much of their time and energy for the final product,” Brownlee said. “I look forward to seeing the creativity and talent from them.”
Guests will enjoy an open bar and free appetizers throughout the night.
“This is the event in Plant City,” Stevens. “If you’re not going, you’re missing out.”
Dancing with the Locals also has an unspoken tradition. After the performers have their prizes, the audience is allowed a chance to shine. The stage is opened to guests to let loose on the dance floor.
“This isn’t, like how at a wedding, you see two or three people on the dance floor,” Stevens said. “People will dance.”
MEET THE DANCERS
• John and Freddie Ray
• Dennis and MacKenzie Bonefont
• Eric Randall and Tiffany Brock
• Dr. Helen Hoveida and Branden Osborne
• Darry and Heather Dykstra
• Megan Mayo-Sewell and Marshal Sewell
• Lourena Ingram and Ethan Rouse
• Mike and April Ferry
• Tony and Deanna Rodriguez
• Tim McArter and Nicole Hamilton
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Dancing with the Locals
WHEN: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13
WHERE: John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road
PRICE: $100 per ticket; 21 and up
CONTACT: DWTL Chair Jodi Stevens, (813) 716-0908
