Fifth-annual street dance this weekend appeals to all ages

West Linners can lace up their dancing shoes and twist a warm summer night away when the city hosts its fifth annual street dance July 14 in the historic Willamette area.

Food, vendor and face-painting booths will open for business at 5 p.m., kicking off the family-friendly fun.

A 5:45 p.m., kids will get a chance to try their hand at interactive juggling games with local favorite Mag Hughes, who will perform his own solo juggling routine at 6:45 p.m.

“(This year), we have a little more activity for the kids,” Terri Jones, recreation coordinator with the West Linn Parks & Recreation Department, said. “We just try to provide activities the entire time that will appeal to the whole family, but it’s a great night out for a date night as well.”

At 7 p.m., local kids and teens will show off their own musical prowess when Music & Arts Partners’ top acts perform.

The nonprofit organization, which supports arts education in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, recently held a talent search among district students. Those who earned top judges’ marks will perform in groups or as individuals at the street dance, and the talent search’s first- and second-place acts will take the stage once again at MAP’s “An Evening With the Stars” fundraiser in October.

The ceremonial opening of the street dance will take place at 7:55 p.m. before Big Night Out takes the stage for its second consecutive appearance at 8 p.m.

The high-energy band boasts a repertoire of toe-tapping hits from the ‘60s through today, with unique arrangements of hits by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Rihanna and Lady Gaga, to name a few.

Big Night Out features female vocalists Jennifer Hansen, Kelly Manning and Holly Resnick, lead male vocalist Jeff Beatty, who specializes in Motown hits, and an all-star horn section led by former KC & the Sunshine Band lead trumpet Conte Bennett.

Songs such as ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” Cheryl Lynn’s “Got to be Real,” Christina Aguilera’s “Candyman” and The Emotions’ “Best of My Love” will keep locals at the street dance until 11 p.m. Jones said the street dance grows in popularity each year, in part because of the community support it receives.

“The businesses fully embrace it and are planning earlier and providing more tables and are doing everything they can to make it a great night as well,” she said.

Local eateries setting up booths at the dance include Lil’ Cooperstown Grill & Bar, B.J. Willy’s Public House & Eatery, La Fiesta Mexican Kitchen, Shark Bait Hawaiian Shave Ice and Maui 3 Café.

“It just all meshes so well,” Jones said. “When I describe it to people I compare it to a really fun, big family wedding, because the little kids are dancing and enjoying it and people are visiting.

“It almost feels like the real kick-off to summer.”

For more information about the West Linn Street Dance, visit westlinnoregon.gov.