But it’s certainly a popular one, with probably 130 individuals coming out on the dance floor — either on foot or in their wheelchairs — on Sunday afternoon, at the dance which was rescheduled due to bad weather in November.

The Fort Dodge Civitan Club has had plenty to celebrate itself. It marked 50 years as a service club on Nov. 16.

“We currently have 27 active members where we are part of Civitan International as a service club that helps and does projects for the mentally/physically disabled,” said Nancy Leo. “Doran Eaton, Governor of the Min-Owa District at the time, was at the charter banquet and installation of the first years’ officers at the Holiday Inn, Fort Dodge. Twenty-Five members, all men, were part of that first club and signed their names around the charter.”

At the party Sunday afternoon, volunteers were bringing out more tables after space ran out, and places had already been set for about 125 people.

-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter
Jacob Berube, left, and his fiancee Tonya Vanderpool dance at the annual Civitan Christmas party Sunday.

Robert Lombard and Cheryl Passow, both of whom have siblings who atteneded the dance, played the role of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Meanwhile club President Pat Scheer handed out more than 100 hand-knit hats made by her daughter and granddaughter.

It’s the 33rd year the civitans have held such a dance, Leo said.

The first president of the local club was Bill Highland, who now lives in Massachussets.

Tom Pingel, of Fort Dodge, was a charter member in 1968 and was treasurer for the club for several years, Leo said. Other presidents for the first 15 years include Guy Olson, 1969, Tom Pingel, 1972, Nick Salmon, 1976, Dennis Chase 1979 (who just passed away on October 30 of this year), Bill Kibby in 1980, Alan Forbes in 1981, Bev Fisher in 1981 (now deceased), Bill Giddings in 1983 who lives in Ames, and Sandy Bennett in 1983 to name a few.

Bennett was one of the first women to join Civitan, Leo said, and has been a member since 1976.

-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter
Sandy Vaughn, left, with Lifeworks, dances with Jolene Bass at the annual Civitan Christmas party.

The local club meets weekly on Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. at Zakeers Restaurant, with exception of the third Monday of the month, when they meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch.

-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter
A big crowd from area group homes filled Ride’s banquet center Sunday afternoon for the 33rd annual Civitan Christmas dance.

-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter
Duane Scheer, left, and Brad Rogers move a table so that volunteers can give away hand-made hats at the annual Civitan Christmas dance Sunday.