Rutherford Woman | Dirty Dancing Festival

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2nd Annual Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure
Have the Time of Your Life!
by Sunny Griffis

The town of Lake Lure is all abuzz about the upcoming second annual Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure, which commences on Friday, September 16th. This festival boasts three days of action and entertainment, with an excellent lineup of new events, as well as favorites from last year.

Lake Lure has been a long-time beloved locale for the fans of Dirty Dancing, which remains an integral part of Lake Lure history. When Patrick Swayze passed away in 2009, the Visitors Center and Chamber of Commerce received countless calls from people asking what could be done as a community to celebrate Swayze’s life. The town responded by holding a candlelight vigil, and an amazing 1,200 people showed up to pay their respects.

The town recognized the need for something more substantial, and they called in the experts to plan a festival commemorating the 1987 Box Office hit. Last year, roughly 2,000 to 3,000 people attended the event, and the festival directors only see it growing in years to come.

Jo Beyersdorfer, the event coordinator, is tirelessly working to make the 2011 festival a smash hit. Jo, owner of JNB, a full-service marketing and events company, knows how to make an important event enormously fun and successful. The creativity and enthusiasm she brings to the table comes naturally to her, largely out of her love for Dirty Dancing and for the performing arts.

The festival aims to support the performing arts and art education. Professional artists, from the Asheville Ballet to award-winning musicians, will be part of this jam-packed celebration. Jo says she’s also very pleased that “this festival has made a great positive contribution to benefit an area that’s been hit hard, economically.” Surrounding businesses welcome the influx of event participants, which provides an appreciated boost to Rutherford County’s economic development.

Dirty Dancing’s success has been widespread. The movie has been voted as the number one film of all time in the UK, and has earned more than $213 million at the Box Office. Fans adore the onscreen chemistry between Baby and Johnny, especially during the tantalizing dance scenes.

Although the festival officially begins on Friday, the Isothermal Foundation Performing Arts Center is featuring a special prelude event featuring Bill Medley on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Spindale. Medley, best known for his part in the Righteous Brothers duo, recorded “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” for Dirty Dancing. The song has won numerous awards, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy, and is a fantastic way to kick-off the festival.

On Friday, guests can attend a free Lakeside screening of Dirty Dancing at Firefly Cove at 7 p.m. It’s best to arrive early with blankets or chairs, and then enjoy watching the movie at the original site of Johnny's Cabin. Michelle Yelton, last year’s co-director, says the screening was a favorite for many people. “It’s so neat to sit there and see Johnny come onto the screen...There’s just something euphoric about the experience. It’s surreal,” Michelle remembers.

On Saturday, the festival continues at Lake Lure's Morse Park with the daytime dance festival. A wide range of activities are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year, the main stage will host twice as many bands as the previous year, featuring four talented bands: The Embers, The Clay Brown Band, Trudy Harris, and DJ Spanky Jim Miller.

Because the dance lessons offered at the festival were completely packed last year, they’ve now expanded. Guests will be able to boogie anytime on Saturday with dance sessions throughout the day, provided by instructors from the Asheville Ballet. They can also join the fun Shag Dance Competition, or watch the Asheville Ballet & Academy perform several dances from the movie.

The National Watermelon Association (NWA) will be a part of the event, a charming addition to the program. They will host various games, such as the watermelon carrying contest. NWA queens, complete with tiaras, will grace the festival and serve as judges for the entertaining Lake Lift Competition, where guests can try their skill at performing the famous lift between Johnny and Baby in the lake.

There is something for everyone at the Saturday daytime festival, including a Beer & Wine Garden for adults age 21 and over, and a Kids’ Corner with games and activities. For some, the experience may hold deeper meaning. Pam Robinson, Rutherfordton resident, lost her husband Ed in 2009. She went to the 2010 festival to hear the bands whose concerts they used to adore together. “I had a good time, but it was bittersweet. I know it’s something Ed would’ve wanted me to enjoy.”

In response to attendees that want a VIP experience, the festival continues on Sunday with a Lakeside concert and VIP dinner. The 2010 VIP Gala sold out months in advance. This years’ exclusive Lakeside Concert, beginning at 7 p.m. at Rumbling Bald Resort, includes two special bands: Billy Scott & The Party Prophets and The Clovers.

Billy Scott & The Party Prophets was the most requested band, and have remarkable accolades. Their snazzy beach music classics have earned their induction into the Beach Music Hall of Fame and The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, amongst other notable awards. The Clovers, also offering live entertainment, are widely known for their hit, “Love Potion #9.” The evenings’ lineup promises to keep attendees tapping to the rhythm.

Guests can also purchase tickets for the entire VIP experience that includes a special dinner at Lakeview Restaurant. Ticket-holders will enjoy exclusive entertainment, a buffet dinner, and cocktails. They will also have the privilege of watching the Lakeside Concert from a stage-side lounge.

On Sunday, there will be a charity golf tournament at the Rumbling Bald Resort Golf Course, an area that was filmed in the movie. This event continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and benefits local charities. Guests can attend a brunch, an awards ceremony, and a silent auction after the tournament.

Refreshments and vendor booths will be available throughout the festival. Advance tickets for any of the festival’s activities are available online at DirtyDancingFestival.com. If interested in sponsorships or onsite advertising, contact Jo at 310-372-4600. So get your dancing shoes on and come join in the fun this September. Take Penny’s famous wisdom from the movie to heart: “Oh, come on, ladies. God wouldn't have given you maracas if He didn't want you to shake 'em!”

Rutherford Woman March 2011

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