GALT, CA (MPG) - Galt District Chamber of Commerce held the Old Galt Dinner Dance on Sept. 21, giving attendees an evening of barbecue, music and dancing on the Fourth Street Promenade.

The dinner was a stand-alone version of the closing event from last year’s popular Old Galt Festival.

“Back in the day, they used to have a dinner dance everyone would come back to,” Community Relations Manager Kat Seabolt said about the dinner’s inspiration. “And so everyone enjoyed it so much that we decided to bring it back this year even though we didn’t have the festival, but just to keep the tradition going.”

Seabolt said the chamber showcased local offerings by bringing in KMoney’s BBQ to serve a dinner of brisket, beans and potato salad, and Papas & Wings with drinks. In between performances by country band Moonshine & Honey, Galt-based First Steps Dance Academy provided line-dancing lessons, which are a new addition to the dinner.

For the lessons, instructor Tami Iverson explained how to string together some basic steps and turn to face all four sides of the dance floor. Before long, participants were dancing along to country songs.

First Steps owner Jillian Massey said she loves holding public dance classes, noting that line-dancing isn’t that intimidating. 

“You watch dancing and you want to participate. It’s hard to not get out of your seat or bounce in your seat, you know. So (we’re) just trying to encourage people to come out and try and it’s just about having fun with people,” Massey said.

Galt Mayor Paul Sandhu complimented the event. He added that the relatively mild weather made for a pleasant evening.

“I think it’s very well attended. … A lot of people I meet, they are very happy,” Sandhu said.

Seabolt was optimistic that the dinner dance would return next year.

“I think the community really likes it,” Seabolt said. “It’s nice to get to bring in different businesses in the area, so people can get barbecue but they’re a local company here in town and they’re chamber members, and the line dancers are here in town as well, so it’s nice to get to highlight local businesses.”