FFA members dancing at the third annual AAEC-EM FFA Barn Dance.
Everybody likes to have fun, and what better way to have fun than dancing the night away with your friends?
The AAEC-EM FFA annual Barn Dance is an event and fundraiser where students and members come together to dance, play games, hang out with friends, take pictures and enjoy concessions.
The chapter started the barn dance tradition on Sept. 30, 2022. After the first dance, it was evident that both chapter members and students at AAEC-EM High School loved it and wanted to see it return in the following years.
The third annual AAEC-EM FFA Barn Dance was held on Sept. 27, 2024, and it was the most extravagant compared to years prior.
Unlike previous years, there were more activities to participate in than just dancing and simple yard games. A corn hole tournament and roping contest were held, with the winners of each receiving prizes. Ribbon’s Tea House, a local drink company, brought their food truck to the dance to raise support. The final new addition was two superlatives: the best western outfit and best country dancers.
The night was full of festivities and activities, with more than 100 students and guests attending, including some Arizona FFA state officers. A handful of members participated in the new corn hole tournament and roping contest and showed off their skills. Members also used the available photo booth to commemorate the night with their friends.
Members line dancing.
With these additions, the third annual barn dance was the most successful out of the previous ones. The chapter raised more than $2,000 while also building relationships with its community and sponsors.
“I think it was the best dance we’ve had,” says Joshua Troub, one of the advisors of the AAEC-EM FFA Chapter.
The barn dance is one of the year’s most memorable and fun events, with students and members always looking forward to the next one. “I received so much good feedback,” says Chelsea Larkin, chapter student advisor and planner of the dance.
What started off as a new idea and fun event quickly became one of the chapter’s most popular events every year.
