A local nightclub hosting a teen dance party seems like an oxymoron, but for Dan Brooks, it was a no-brainer.
"I am well aware of the boredom kids are having in this community – especially during winter," said Brooks. "They want something more than just a skatepark and Cultus Lake, which they can't even go to right now."
On Dec. 18, The Echo Room will be providing that something extra.
The Echo Room is hosting Teen Blast; five hours of loud music, dancing, glowsticks, giveaways, and fun.
"We're getting the kids off the streets and letting them have fun in a controlled environment," said Brooks. "It's win-win."
The event is open to teens between the ages of 13 and 18.
The nightclub will be surrendering its liquor license for the evening, and all alcohol will be removed from the premises.
The evening will be hosted by emcee Dano, and DJ Supafly will be in the house, playing Top-40, hip hop and house music.
Once the teens enter the club, they stay in the club. There's no in and out, said Brooks. As well, security will be located all over the club, and knapsacks will not allowed.
"We keep a close eye on everybody to ensure that everybody has fun," said Brooks.
If parents have concerns, Brooks encourages them to come in and check it out for themselves.
This is the second dance club party The Echo Room has hosted. The first one, held last month, attracted 120 teenagers, and went off without a complaint, said Brooks.
He intends to make Teen Blast a regular event and hopes to grow it in the future.
"Kids have got energy to burn, and when they get bored, they get into mischief," said Brooks. "By putting this on, we're getting the kids off the streets, and giving them a place to go and expend their energy.
"And the kids love it."
Teen Blast is on Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets are $15 at the door.
For more information, visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/events/258248070894025/