Back by popular demand, The Back to '90s Video Dance Party is returning to ODAS Park on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
Volume one of the event took place in July in support of the Orillia Sharing Place food bank. Organizer Derick Lehmann says the positive feedback from the event was "overwhelming."
"I was blown away because we sold over 700 tickets," he said. “It was a really great night and we gave over $11,000 to the food bank."
Funds raised from the upcoming dance will be used to buy gifts and gift cards for local toy drives in the region.
"It's Christmas time and I know people are struggling right now," Lehmann said. "I wanted to spread the love a little bit and help out these toy drives so kids can have a little something extra under the tree if parents are struggling to provide that for their families."
Lehmann, 44, says the '90s-themed dance brings back nostalgia and good times from his high school days.
"Much Music video dance parties were a major craze back then," he said. "The company I hired back in 1996 and 1997 on the student council at O.D.C.V.I is the same company doing this dance."
Tickets are available for $20 in advance, through the event’s website, as well as at AlleyCats Music & Art in downtown Orillia (cash only). Tickets will also be available for $25 at the door. Groups of 10 or more should reach out to Lehmann for a special discount.
Late last week, the event already broke even with its expenses through ticket sales. All tickets sold from here on out will benefit local toy drives.
"I think we are going to exceed 500 people this time," he said. "It seems to have grown some legs here."
With a lack of nightlife in Orillia, Lehmann says people get really excited for the dance.
"We haven't had any nightclubs in Orillia for years now," he said. "People love to have a large space where they can dance and have a good time."
If the dance is a hit again this time around, Lehmann says he may make it a more frequent event.
"I'm already planning one for the end of July again," he said. "If people keep coming out, I'm going to keep doing this."
