After more than 20 years, Lake Lure, N.C. – the original film site for much of the iconic movie Dirty Dancing is finally hosting its first annual Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure on September 17 and 18. While raising money for charity, the weekend festival honors the timeless legacy of Dirty Dancing to young love, the passion of dance, and the films celebration of classic 1950s/1960s soul music.

Why now?

In 2009, with the passing of Patrick Swayze, Lake Lure was flooded with media requests about the towns plans to memorialize the films leading man. With much encouragement from both fans and the media, the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce in Lake Lure organized a candlelight service in Swayzes honor that resulted in an attendance of nearly 750 people in the pouring rain. With the overwhelming turnout, the chamber realized fans of Dirty Dancing still exist in astounding numbers, and are still looking for way to remember and relive the magic of the film. Thus, the festival ensued.

Tickets have already been sold to attendees in 13 different states and several in the United Kingdom. The State of North Carolinas Tourism Department declared the Dirty Dancing Festival the anchor event for its 2010 British Media Mission Tour and favorable endorsements have already come from media outlets such as the Today Show, Southern Living Magazine, and NPRs Morning Edition.

Schedule of Events

Friday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.: Lakeside Film Screening at Firefly Cove (Free Admission)

Fans will feel like they are in the movie as they watch Dirty Dancing against the waterfront site of the lift, and on the original location of Johnnys cabin. The evening includes surprise pre-recorded interviews with Dirty Dancing cast members. Picnics, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. No alcohol please. Donations for the Lake Lure Youth Center will be appreciated.

Sat., Sept. 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Family Dance & Music Festival at Morse Park

This outdoor dance and music festival opens with legendary soul band and beach music sensation Billy Scott & the Party Prophets and closes with Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs, whose platinum hit Stay from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The A-Lure Dirty Dancing Review Dancers will also perform the dances from the movie.

Join Dirty Dancing cast and crew as they share memories and stories from working on the set and with the creative geniuses behind the film. Special guests include Franke Previte, one of the Oscar-winning songwriters of Ive Had the Time of My Life. Following the 30-minute panel discussion, audience members will be invited to ask the panelists questions.

LoneRider Brewery of Raleigh, N.C., is the exclusive beer sponsor of the Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure and will be showcasing its variety of brews at the festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m.: Time of Your Life Gala at Firefly Cove (Sold Out)

The 1950s Time of Your Life Gala at Firefly Cove is an authentic throwback to the time period reflected in Dirty Dancing. From the food to the dcor to the entertainment, this gala will reflect upon the movie and its classic time setting.

Visit www.DirtyDancingFestival.com for a complete list of activities, dinner and golf specials, and more.

Visit the Dirty Dancing Festival website at www.DirtyDancingFestival.com to purchase tickets and for information on other Dirty Dancing inspired events happening throughout Lake Lure. Guests may also call the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce at 877-625-2725.

Funds raised from the weekend will support the Isothermal Foundation Performing Arts Center, Hospice of Rutherford County and the Lake Lure Youth Center.