WARWICK — The Warwick Recreation Committee is revitalizing the funky vibes of the 1970s with a costume dance Oct. 29.
The dance, which will be held at Warwick Community School from 5:30 to 9 p.m., is one of many events organized by the Warwick Recreation Committee through March to “build a sense of community,” according to committee member Denyse Abruzzise Dar.
“It’s not like we’re in the middle of the city and there’s a lot to do,” Abruzzise Dar said. “We try to socialize to stay mentally active … especially in the dead of winter.”
The costume dance follows the committee’s first-ever 1950s-style Sock Hop, which was held at the school in August. The committee aims to organize events that will allow residents both young and old to interact.
“There are subsets within the population that don’t ever really (mix),” Abruzzise Dar said. “Members of the school don’t ever really (talk) with members of the Council on Aging.”
The committee also hopes to attract people from surrounding towns to Warwick through dances, dinners and movie screenings.
“The surrounding communities really have no sense of who Warwick is as a town, and it’s this really great place,” Abruzzise Dar said.
The dance will primarily feature disco music, based on a request from residents for ’70s music. Abruzzise Dar asks that attendees come in costume in the spirit of Halloween as the committee will be awarding a peoples’ choice prize for best costume. However, costumes do not need to be ’70s-themed.
Attendees can also take commemorative photos against a disco background and enjoy an Italian dinner with local beer and wine at 5:30 p.m.
“This actually represents a bit of a landmark,” Abruzzise Dar said, explaining that very few events in town serve beer and wine.
The event is free to attend, though dinner costs $10 for lasagna or vegetarian torte with salad and garlic bread, and desserts are $3.50. The Recreation Committee will also accept donations.
“Donations help us keep the activities free,” Abruzzise Dar said. “We want to make sure it’s accessible to everybody regardless of income.”