Flori Parham
Howdy partner! The PebbleCreek Ballroom Dance Club is excited to share their March 24 dance, aptly named “One Eyed Jacks” as they recall Arizona’s colorful past. Did you know that the notorious gambler Doc Holliday, and his lady-friend Big Nosed Kate, frequented the saloons and dance halls in Prescott and Tombstone in 1880-81? As a matter of fact, built in 1880 as the Grand Hotel, this historic establishment frequented by Doc Holiday, along with the Clanton Gang, burned down just two years later. It was then reconstructed and is still standing and open for business. It’s now known as Big Nose Kate’s Saloon in Tombstone. Did you also know that the Crystal Palace Saloon in Tombstone greeted local notables like U.S. Deputy Marshal Virgil Earp and gunshot wound expert Dr. George Goodfellow? They all swung through the doors of this cheery redbrick drinking hole in Tombstone that served its first drink in 1879 as the Golden Brewery. The Crystal Palace Saloon is still serving drinks, so if ever in Tombstone you should check out these two historical drinking establishments.
Residents of PebbleCreek and their guests can recall those wild days on Friday, March 24, in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom, and perhaps share their own stories with their guests, friends, and neighbors! DJ Hank Tokarz will provide a variety of music styles for dancing from 7 to 10 p.m. There are also free dance lessons from 6:15 to 7 p.m. with our fellow club member and professional dance instructor, Keith Clinton, teaching the waltz, which is perfect for a western dance. Attire for the evening is casual/western fun.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 for members of the Ballroom Dance Club and $15 for non-members. The tickets are being sold at the Eagle’s Nest kiosk from 10 a.m. until noon on March 7, 9, 14, 16, and 21. Cash or checks only. Checks are payable to PCBDC. Hosts for the evening are Jane and Rich McCurdy. We’re looking forward to seeing y’all there!