Wilson Pickett sang

Got to know how to pony Like Bony Maronie

Mash potato, do the alligator

Put your hand on your hips, yeah, let your backbone slip

Do the Watusi like my little Lucy

Hey! Uh! Na na-na-na-na na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na na-na-na-na 

The history division of the San Bernardino County Museum agrees. The San Bernardino County Museum Association invites guests to “party like the ‘60s” under the stars on Saturday evening, July 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. at “Groovin’ at the Grove.” The event is free but because space is limited, advance reservations are required. A $10 donation at the door is suggested; funds will support history division programs and the Museum Association’s capital campaign.

Guests are invited to come to the party dressed in far out 1960s threads. The Express Band will perform hits from the sixties for listening and dancing. Disk jockeys will spin a few platters, too. The Limónades dancers will set the mood with a special showcase dance, and they’ll teach easy 1960s dance moves to early birds from 5 to 6 p.m. The event includes a variety of snacks; wine and Ritual Brewing beer will be available for purchase.

“We’re able to offer a variety of food and drinks thanks to the generosity of our refreshment sponsors,” said LaWanda Avery-Brown, SBCMA executive director. “We’ll be munching on goodies from Applebee’s, Redlands; Carl’s Hawaiian Shave Ice & Food Concessions; Citrus Deli, Redlands; Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Redlands; Cooking Block, Redlands; Home Town Buffet, Loma Linda; Jersey Mike’s Subs, Redlands; Jose’s Mexican Food, Redlands; and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Redlands. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is donating drinking water, and beer and wine is provided by Ritual Brewing Company, Redlands and Joseph Filippi Winery and Vineyards of Rancho Cucamonga.”

“Our dance parties are a great way to learn more about different points in time through social history, and to support the history division’s programs and exhibits,” said Michele Nielsen, the museum’s curator of history. “These fun events are organized by the San Bernardino County Museum Association as part of their capital campaign and made possible by generous contributions from community partners. So make your reservations and be ready to groove!”

In addition to refreshment sponsors, major support for the event has been contributed by PrintProPlus.com, Tom Bell Chevrolet of Redlands, Johnnie Ann Ralph, and Party Plus Rentals, Randy and Barbara Rozema, owners. Additional support comes from The Express Band, KCAA Music Team, the Limonadas Dancers, Norm Kanold, Alan Marks, Ruth Stringer, Jim Walling, Burrtec Waste Industries, and Galleano Winery.

“The sixties were a time of great social change,” said Nielsen. “The rise of the women’s movement, the youth culture, Civil Rights, the Vietnam War, and the dawn of the computer age are all reflected in the decade’s popular culture. The difference between the early sixties, as depicted in television shows like ‘Mad Men,’ and the late sixties with hippies and flower power, is striking. I can hardly wait to see how our party guests chose to costume themselves!”

To make reservations, log onto www.60sparty.eventbrite.com. For more information, call (909) 307-2669, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org, or inquire at the museum’s front desk. The event is supported by the San Bernardino County Museum Association as part of their capital campaign.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.