American Legion Hall Makes a Big Impression on Western Dance Club

If the stop-and-go pace of a packed nightclub dance floor has you screaming “Don’t Fence Me In,” check out the American Legion Hall in Ventura on Saturday.

It boasts one of the best and biggest ballroom dance floors in the area. That’s why the Country Lovers Western Dance Club will hold a holiday dance there starting with a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. Open dancing begins at 8. Jammin’ Country will provide deejay music and the Pacifically Country dance group will offer a dance demonstration.

Admission for nonmembers is $5 per person or an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. Turkey will be provided; participants are encouraged to take a potluck dish to share. American Legion Post 339 is at 83 S. Palm St. in Ventura. For details, call 647-1893.

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The Country Lovers Dance Club also holds a casual dance party with deejay music on Tuesdays. All ages are welcome, and you don’t need a partner. Just show up at 7 p.m. for a line-dance lesson or 7:30 p.m. to learn dances for couples. Because of the holidays, sessions this month are scheduled only Tuesday and Dec. 15. Admission is $3 per person for visitors. Dances are at 10269 Telephone Road in Ventura. For information, call the Country Lovers Hotline, 647-1893.

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As part of the 22nd annual Parade of Lights and Holiday Festival at Ventura Harbor Village, the Rhythm Rangers will perform their popular mix of country, classic rock and original music, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Carousel Stage. If you want a seat, plan ahead. The parade starts at 7 p.m., but access to the harbor will close at 6 p.m. because of limited free parking.

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Bluegrass music also will be on tap at the harbor. The Iron Mountain Boys, a group of musician-educators, will entertain from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and also Dec. 17 at Frullati’s.

For more than 13 years, this ensemble has been performing a mixture of traditional mountain ballads and lively instrumental music on acoustic instruments of the period. The fellas also throw in some narrative history of the instruments and stories about the legendary figures of this timeless music. Great for the kids, and easy listening for the adults. Ventura Harbor Village is at 1559 Spinnaker Drive. For information, call 644-0169.