Dozens of couples put on their dancing shoes to “get down and boogie” Saturday night as the City of Dawsonville celebrated its 150th birthday.

Proceeds from the Southern Nights Dinner Dance benefit the Dawson County Senior Center’s elevator fund.

Margie Weaver, who runs the center, said she was overjoyed at the turnout.

“Look at all these people here, and they’re having such a good time,” she said.

Dawsonville Mayor pro-tem Calvin Byrd agreed.

“I couldn’t believe the crowd, and the decorations were great,” he said. “It’s always good to celebrate an anniversary like that, but when you can help an organization that does so much for the city and the county ... this was just a great overall event.”

The dinner and dance featured a live and silent auction, while Athens-based Country River Band kept the crowd of more than 100 dancing the night away.

Dawsonville residents Scotty and Molly Bennett, who spent most of the evening on the dance floor, want to see more events like Saturday night’s dance.

“Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we want to sit at home. I’d like to see something like this once a month, to give us somewhere to congregate, meet people, have a good time and do something for the community,” Scotty Bennett said.

The senior center is a two-floor facility located at Veterans Memorial Park geared toward providing a social outlet for area seniors.

Weaver said an elevator, which is expected to cost about $40,000, is the center’s greatest need.

“We’re about half way there,” said Weaver, who added the center could offer more programs if there was an elevator at the facility.

Another elevator fundraiser is planned for next month when local country music artist Kurt Thomas will perform at the Lakeview Center on Sept. 18.

Thomas has appeared on stage with the Zac Brown Band, opened for Kenny Chesney and was the winner of CMT’s Next Big Star contest.

For more information, call the senior center at (706) 344-3700.