The self-proclaimed most hilariously and hideous holiday event of the year is coming to ODAS Park next month.
Following the success of his Ugly Christmas Sweater Bowling Party, Derick Lehmann is organizing an Ugly Christmas Sweater Dance Party.
The Bowling Party is entering its 10th year and has raised over $30,000 for The Sharing Place Food Centre. This year, all 36 lanes were sold out in less than five minutes.
"I got the email notification saying the event was sold out," Lehmann explained. "I was like, wow."
The combination of the fun atmosphere and helping a charity in need has caused the event to become one of the most popular on the community calendar each year.
"It makes it sell very quickly," he said. "From what I've heard, it's a tradition for a lot of families to try to get a lane, put on an ugly sweater, and come out and have fun."
Unfortunately, Lehmann says people are always left out of the fun because of how fast it sells out.
"When it sells out quickly, it's nice because it means it's a success and a nice donation for the food bank," he said. "At the same time, there's some disappointment when these events sell out."
To include more people and support more charity efforts in the community, Lehmann has created the Ugly Sweater Dance Party which happens on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
"I've been doing '90s dances at ODAS Park for over a year now and they've been successful," he said. "I've always wanted to expand somehow on the ugly Christmas sweater theme, and this is the perfect chance to do that."
Lehmann hopes the new party will also become an annual tradition people look forward to.
"The capacity is much greater at a dance than it is at bowling," he said. "Hopefully, that will allow a lot more people to participate and have fun with the theme."
Money raised from the event will support local toy drives. With money raised from the '90s Video Dance Party: Volume 2 last November, Lehmann was able to purchase four SUVs full of toys.
"I would love to get at least 500 people out," he said. "That would make for a huge donation."
The 19+ event features a cash bar and photos with Santa Claus. There will also be prizes for the best ugly Christmas sweaters.
"I tend to sway my judging toward the original sweaters. I love seeing the old ones," he said. "But if you do have a store-bought sweater, you still have a chance to. But try to add some lights or something real ugly to it."
Wearing an ugly sweater gives people the opportunity to "show off their funny side", let loose, and have a good time Lehmann says.
Tickets are $20 in advance, and you can purchase them at Alleycats Music & Art or online by clicking here.
Limited tickets will be available for $25 at the door. Groups of 10 or more can receive a special discount by purchasing tickets online.
