Rain delayed the young cowboys' arrival by weeks. But eventually hundreds were able to kick up their boots at the Andover/North Andover YMCA's 13th annual Dallas Night.
The YMCA had its largest turnout ever at the Texas-themed family cookout Aug. 27, with 475 people attending, said organizers. Dallas Night was originally scheduled for July 24, but was rescheduled after a severe storm hit the area that night, knocking out YMCA phone lines. Last Wednesday, the makeup day, proved to be "a terrific night" with many people wearing Western garb, said Elizabeth Covino, YMCA director of marketing and public relations.
"People stayed well into dark, they were having such a good time. It was our 13th annual, and it just has a reputation as a really fun, family night," she said. "A lot of parents came dressed too, with hats, cowboy boots and bandanas."
Families dined on grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, beans, cornbread, corn on the cob and other barbecue favorites.
More than 75 volunteers kept the event running smoothly, said Covino, and children kept busy with Western-themed games and activities. Kids moseyed through an Old West village complete with a bank, saloon and other buildings that volunteers made from cardboard boxes. Water-balloon volleyball was also a favorite, said Covino.
"We had a cowboy and cowgirl parade, and everyone that was dressed up walked around and strutted their stuff," she said. "There were a lot of opportunities for families to play together. It was good old-fashioned family fun."
Live music was added this year, performed by special guest Angela West and her band Showdown, the Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association Entertainer of the Year.
"They really kept things moving," said Covino, who added that the Andover/North Andover YMCA will continue the tradition and host a Dallas Night next year.
