Big Band music will fill Columbia during 25th annual street dance

• WHAT: 25th annual Big Band Street Dance

• WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 24

• WHERE: Columbia State Historic Park

• COST: Free, or $60 for AVIP table

• INFO: (209) 770-0648

Columbia’s 76 years as a California State Park will be celebrated Saturday, July 24, with the 25th annual Big Band Street Dance on the park’s Main Street.

A 1940s DJ will begin the evening with music from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by Rod Harris & the Kicks and the Columbia College Big Band, who will perform music from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s until 10 p.m. Prizes for best dancers and best 1940s costumes will be awarded.

The park’s restaurants will be open to serve food and beverages, and the Friends of Columbia will offer popcorn, lemonade and water for a donation.

The event is free, but VIP table seating is available for $60 per table. Tables have a front row view of dancers and include a complimentary bottle of champagne. Earlier in the day, an 11 a.m. tour will teach about the history of the town, including the discovery of gold, growth, and development of the state park. Photo displays will be set out along the streets and in the museum depicting the various buildings during that time period.

Two additional tours in the afternoon will focus on California history, life during the 1930s and ’40s, and the events, people, organizations and legislation involved in creating the park.

Although admission is free, donations support educational and historical programs organized by the Friends of Columbia.

For more information or to reserve VIP seating, call (209) 770-0648.