Annual Sock Hop Held on the Square

One of downtown Sparta’s favorite events, the Sock Hop & Cruise-In, went down May 16. The City of Sparta and Sparta Sonic have put together this event for years now, filling the parking lot around Liberty Square with antique and old cars as far as any Spartan can see. Just like last year, Four on the Floor came down to perform for those gathered. Good food, good music, and sweet rides are what the Sock Hop promises, and this year certainly provided.

The turnout was even larger than last year. Cars were parked in every available spot all around Liberty Square, even stretching down South Main for those who could not find a spot in Liberty Square. Hundreds of folks brought their own chairs to post up to watch Four on the Floor perform, with a bleacher even set near the food court to help out those who forgot to bring their own seat.

Mayor Lowery introduced the band, giving yet another passionate speech about his love for the event. Part of his introduction said, “For years, they’ve been bringing the heartbeat of music to Liberty Square, filling the night air with songs that will make you sing, dance, clap, and remind you that Spring nights in Sparta are something special.”

First Christian Church and Goldelicious had a food court set up, the former on the grill with hamburgers and hot dogs, and the latter offering up refreshments for visitors. All of the restaurants stretching around Liberty Square also got to enjoy some of the added visitation from everybody swinging by.

Starting at five, the festivities and music went on for hours, all the way through nightfall. By 9 p.m., though, Liberty Square was clearing out. As fast as the Cruise-In came, as fast as it went, but anybody who was there for another annual Sock Hop & Cruise-In can attest that Sparta once again put on a killer event.