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Ok, all you tossers get ready for another horseshoe tournament at the Kearny Elks.
Saturday, April 23, is on the verge of becoming a night the Copper Communities will remember, as Arabella and Empower Empire Promotions host ‘Latin Night’ with Power Drive Band at the Kearny Elks Lodge #2478.
The idea for the creation of this event came from a night of conversation at the dinner table with family members talking about the good old days, when the dances at the Mammoth Ballroom, Hayden’s Verdugo Hall, Superior’s Magma Club and Sonora, Ray were the happening places. Couples dressed in style and traveled to these places to dance to live music, and everyone had a good time, enjoying life, music and friends. This era changed with the times, these nights became few, some even came to a complete end. Alejandro Estrada and Arlene Villaflor, CEOs of both companies, decided to create a night where residents from these areas could relive those good times again. In addition, this night would allow the younger generations,including Estrada and Villaflor, to experience a time that lives so fondly in the memories of many residents.
Event planning got underway that included looking for the right venue, the right band and getting the idea out through social media. The responses from former area residents and those with family ties to these towns were overwhelmingly positive. This motivated Villaflor and Estrada to take steps in making this a reality.
Who better to bring the right music than Power Drive Band? Rudy Barcelo, manager, was contacted about the idea they had, and, after explaining their purpose for creating this event, Power Drive enthusiastically made themselves available. For those who have not had the privilege of hearing or dancing to Power Drive, they are very well known in Arizona and have performed all over the Phoenix area, at the El Zocalo Mexican Grill in Chandler, Vee Quiva Casino, Fort McDowell Casino, Wild Horse Pass Casino, Casino Arizona and many other music festivals in Arizona.
As words got out through social media, it was evident that this idea was generating so much excitement, which led members of the Kearny Elks Lodge #2478 to express their interest in being the venue of choice. With Power Drive’s commitment and the Kearny Elks Lodge as venue, plans were moving right along. The next move was reaching those that might not engage in social media, so they set out going door-to-door, personally inviting residents.
Estrada shared, “Some of the most valuable feedback came from the older generation. Many told us personal stories that included how they dressed up, how much fun they had and how excited they were about attending ‘Latin Night’ now that they had a personal invitation. Their smiles said it all. Villaflor agreed.
Villaflor remarked, “Our goal is to keep this going as long as possible, and we have many more ideas.”
Estrada added, “Instead of people having to travel to Tucson or Phoenix just to enjoy a night out. What could be better than enjoying it closer to home?It can be very expensive for rural residents to travel to the city for a night of dancing.”
In addition, Villaflor and Estrada value higher education and have set another goal to achieve with future events. They aspire to award a special scholarship to outstanding academic applicants graduating from the Copper Communities.
“Our scholarship will be a little different.” Villaflor stated. Estrada expressed, “We understand that higher education is technology-driven, and would like to be instrumental in helping a young adult start college with a laptop. Our message to the youth is that you can inspire yourself. Empower yourself and others by creating that inner drive that keeps you moving forward, no matter what challenges you might encounter. Set your mind and keep it set. Dream wide awake and make your dreams a reality. Most importantly, remember to pay it forward.”
To kick off ‘Latin Night’, a horseshoe tournament will begin at 11 a.m. Registration will begin Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Entry fees are $10 per person with double elimination. This tournament is an event for all ages and prizes will be presented to the winners. Drinks will be sold both inside and outside the venue.
The ‘Latin Night’ dance, itself, is an 18 years and older event and all must show I.D. and sign in for a wristband. The wristband must be shown to purchase alcohol from both beer bottles and bar (and, of course, you must be of legal drinking age). The bar will open at 7 p.m. and the dance is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Door entries are $20 for singles and $30 for couples.
Villaflor and Estrada are looking forward to seeing the citizens of the Copper Corridor communities come out and enjoy a night of dancing after a long week of hard work. “Salud! You deserve it!”, they both expressed.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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