The Automotive/Restoration Club of Sun City West went for a Friday night cruise over to Freedom Traditional Academy Feb. 24. The special occasion was a 1950s themed father and daughter “Sock Hop”. The girls were all decked out in their poodle skirts, saddle shoes, wide belts, shades and chiffon or silk neck scarves. About the only thing missing was an authentic malt shop and Danny & The Juniors.

Sock hops were held as early as 1944 by the American Junior Red Cross to raise funds during World War II. They then became a fad among American teenagers in 1948. Sock hops were commonly held at high schools and other educational institutions, often in the school gymnasium. The term came about because dancers were required to remove their hard-soled shoes to protect the varnished floor of the gymnasium

ARC member and Thunderbird owner  Mike Liberatore stated, “It was a great time supporting the school and bringing back the past, to a new generation.”

FTA is a kindergarten through eighth-grade “school of choice” where the learning is accelerated and the instruction is back to basics. Opened in 2019, their vision is to prepare all students to be successful, productive citizens with an emphasis on patriotism and citizenship.

“The kids had so much fun just looking at the cars and taking pictures with them,” stated Sarah Taylor, FTA event organizer. “We can’t thank ARC enough for making our Sock Hop a great event for the school.”