SYRACUSE — A popular event is returning to the Winter Carnival this weekend. From the 1970s to the 1990s the American Legion in Syracuse hosted a dance during the Winter Carnival. “It was a big deal,” said Tammy Cotton, director of Chautauqua Wawasee.

The dance is coming back from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, with a masquerade ball at the Oakwood Event Center. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and organizers are encouraging people to dress up, but it isn’t mandatory to attend.

Cotton recommended attending the Wawasee Kiwanis Soup Supper at the Syracuse Community Center and then coming to the dance.

Hubie Ashcraft will be providing the music for the evening. “We asked them to dress up, so we’re excited to see,” said Cotton, explaining the band is keeping their outfits a surprise.

The band has performed at Oakwood before and has a large following in northern Indiana. “They do a little bit of everything … They have an awesome fiddle player,” said Cotton. The band performs covers as well as its original work. Ashcraft is known for playing energetic shows that include elements of rock, Americana and country all infused with pop sensibilities.

For those who don’t have a mask, but would like one for the dance, masks will be available at the door for a donation. There will be a prize for the best dressed couple, a $100 gift certificate for the Pier and Back Porch at Oakwood. There will also be a prize for best dressed individual valued at $50.

There will also be a spot where those attending can have their photos taken.

General admission tickets are currently available and cost $15. Tickets can be purchased through the Chautauqua Wawasee website. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door.

Cotton said she hopes a couple of hundred people will attend the dance. If the dance is well received it could once again become a part of the Winter Carnival. “We’d love to see a huge turnout from the community,” Cotton said.