Although the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Department is known for throwing parent and child dances, this time the kids aren’t on the guest list.

From 6-10 p.m. Saturday, March 17, the department will host its first St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charm Dance. 

“After the success for many years of the daddy-daughter dances, we thought the adult community would enjoy a dance of their own,” said Julie Butler Colombini, parks and recreation communications manager.

“St. Patrick’s Day presented a great option on a Saturday night. 

“We think that this will be a really fun event for adults to celebrate.”

The dance will be held in the ballroom of the Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St. Tickets are $25 per person and will be available at the door.

There will be a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and live music.

“The dance was originally planned for an active, older adult crowd to coincide with our new Forever Young programs for active adults,” Colombini said.

“But we think people in their 30’s and up will enjoy the music selection. There will be great food and great music for all tastes.”

Although this particular dance is for the mature crowd, there are several family-friendly events scheduled this month.

On March 24, the department will host Bark in the Park at the Rock Creek Amphitheater. That event is free and open to the public. It will include several fun contests for pet owners and their four-legged friends. There will be a $5 entry fee for each category.

On March 25, the city parks and recreation department will host an underwater Easter egg hunt at Frances Meadow Aquatic Center. The whole family is invited to come out and dive for eggs and trade them in for fun prizes. Admission is $5 for adults and $10 for children, but one adult is admitted for free with each family of children.