TULSA – The Muscogee Creek Nation Elder Services will be hosting the annual Elder Sweetheart Dance at the Tulsa River Spirit Casino Ballroom on February 19th at 5 pm-8 pm. This year, there will be dancing, dancing contests (prizes involved for the winners), music, and dinner. Pre-registration is required for elders and one guest each.
Pre-registration has already begun, and elders must be enrolled MCN citizens and 55 years of age or older. For the one guest who is a spouse or caregiver, they must be registered as well; however, they do not need to be an elder or an enrolled Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen.
In the past, the dance has been held at the Glenpool Community Center and has been catered by Olive Garden; this year, it has been relocated to the Tulsa River Spirit. This year’s food will be catered by Tulsa River Spirit, and it will be a seated meal.
According to MCN Elder Services Office Manager Angi Neumeyer (Mvskoke), last year they had a full house, and, as far as she knows, everyone had a good time. “Usually, the elders enjoy these events, and they always tell me how much fun they had. I had a lady call, who is 85 years old, and she told me she can’t wait to get there and shake a leg,” Neumeyer said.
Neumeyer enjoys doing these activities for elders, whether it’s just meeting them or during these events. “I try to get out and participate with them if I have time, and I just enjoy being around our elders. They usually have a lot of fun and a lot of insight if you listen to them speak,” Neumeyer said.
Neumeyer said they have limited seating for 600, and she has already had 450 elders reserve a spot.
For information about pre-registration, you can contact MCN Elder Services at 918-732-7765.
