The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society (ELMHS) will present “Celebrating Danceland: 1904-1968” on May 9, 2018 at the Old Log Theatre, 5185 Meadville Street, Greenwood, MN. The evening will begin at 5:30 pm with a “mini-exhibit” of historic Danceland artifacts and photos and will include Excelsior Brewing Company’s “Big Reggie’s Rootbeer,” a cash bar, gourmet popcorn, a raffle, and a trivia contest.  Attendees are invited to bring Danceland objects and photos to donate to the Society and will be encouraged to share their memories and stories about the venue. Doors will open at 6:45 pm for the 7:00 pm presentation of the history of Danceland featuring several speakers. Tickets are $20 General Admission and may be purchased at elmhs1.eventbrite.com. All proceeds will benefit the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society. For more information about this event contact the Society at info@elmhs.org, 952-221- 4766, or visit www.elmhs.org.

Excelsior’s famous ballroom “Danceland” began life as the Beach Pavilion on the shores of Lake Minnetonka adjacent to the Tonka Bay Hotel, where it drew people from around the region to dance and roller-skate. The building was moved to Excelsior in 1923 and continued to attract dancers and skaters,  becoming known as “Big Reggie’s Danceland” in 1961. Throughout its life in Excelsior, it hosted nationally known musical acts including Lawrence Welk, Conway Twitty, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Beach Boys and the Rolling Stones. The venue closed in 1968 and was used to store boats and snowmobiles until it burned to the ground in 1973.