Social district extends to Rotary Park for Belknap Mill Sock Hop Sept. 11

LACONIA — The Belknap Mill will be putting on their annual Sock Hop, inviting the community to come together at the Mill and Rotary Park to enjoy community fun for all ages, at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.

All proceeds raised from the event will go toward the Mill’s operations and year-round programming.

Fallon Reed, development manager for the Belknap Mill Society, said the Mill received approval from the city for an extension of the social district on Friday night for the Sock Hop. The district covers parts of Main, Pleasant, Canal, and Hanover streets, and Veteran’s Square. Just for Sept. 11, the social district will extend past Hanover into Rotary Park, so guests can purchase beverages at downtown restaurants, and make their way over to the festivities.

One of the main events of the night is the classic car show, open to any make, model, and year. Winners will be chosen for categories such as “people’s choice,” “oldest car,” and “highest mileage.”

“It does not have to be a car from the '50s or '60s. Any kind of vehicle that someone wants to show off, feel free, and they're more than welcome to come,” Reed said.

The classic car show kicks off the Sock Hop at 5 p.m. A performance by the Rockin’ Daddios will be held in the gazebo in Rotary Park from to 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome to bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy the doo-wop tunes from the singing group.

Frenchy the Painter, or C. Frenchy Villeneuve, from Danbury, will be at the Belknap Mill's indoor gallery. His paintings will be on display, depicting cartoony, lighthearted New Hampshire scenes.

Throughout the night, there will be plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Reed said they received some donations of vinyl records kids can decorate, as well as enjoy tie-dying socks. There will also be hula-hooping and and bubble gum-blowing contests for kids.

Kids and adults alike are encouraged to show up in their best '50s and '60s attire, as there will be a costume contest.

There will be a 50/50 cash raffle, as well as a raffle to win prizes donated by local businesses. Winners will receive prizes from businesses such as Patrick’s Pub & Eatery, Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative, and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Throughout the night, there will be food for purchase from Goodfellas Grub Food Truck and Randy’s Concession, as well as drinks from Aroma Joe's. Root beer floats will also be served by Laconia Scouts Troop 68, using ice cream provided by Happy Cow Ice Cream Shop.

The night will conclude with a showing of "Grease" (1978) at 8:30 p.m., sticking to the sock hop theme.

“It's kind of, come as you are, have fun, be comfortable. You know, we're a low-key group. And it's just a good time to catch up with friends and family, or make some new friends, meet people in the community, and also get a chance to check out the mill,” Reed said.