Thrive Mat-Su hosting dance party as overall participation continues to grow

WASILLA — Thrive Mat-Su is hosting a youth oriented event called the Candyland Dance at Wasilla Middle School April 20 from 6 to 10 p.m.

The Candyland Dance Party is an evening of dancing featuring additional activities such as a candy themed costume contest, laser tag, video games, basketball, dodgeball, an art lab, and a music lab.

Thrive Mat-Su managing director Matthew Clayton is anticipating a huge turnout based on the ever growing trend of overall participation.

“This is going to be one of the biggest footprints as far as events that we've had,” Clayton said. “Our events have experienced incredible growth over the last year and a half. In December of 2022, we were averaging around 150 people. Over the last year we’ve grown an average of 70 people per event for 8 events in a row. This led to a record attendance of 721 at our January 2024 event… We're super excited about the growth that we've been having.”

Clayton said the high amount of interest is great but it's also altered how they conduct community events. He said they are no longer selling tickets at the door and sending text alerts when events are sold out.

“We don't want to turn people away at the door,” Clayton said.

To incentivize people to pre-register for the upcoming dance party, admission jumps from $8 (for one month prior) to $12 (for one week prior), and finally to $16 the day of the event (if tickets are still available). Clayton noted that those purchasing admission the day of the event still have to pre-register and admission cannot be purchased at the door.

“We're just encouraging people to sign up earlier for planning purposes,” Clayton said.

Clayton said that all of their events are supervised with a very high ratio of adults to youth participants.

“We are very dedicated to ensuring the environment is safe for everyone that participates,” Clayton said.

Thrive Mat-Su offers a broad range of free youth oriented activities that are available throughout the year. Some examples include arts and craft sessions, dance parties, bowling, family game nights, field days, swimming, sledding, and volleyball.

Thrive Mat-Su turned 17 this month, according to Clayton. The local substance abuse prevention program is designed to offer fun and healthy environments for local students 6th grade and older. Clayton said their main mission has always revolved around promoting youth resiliency through positive social connections and personal growth which lowers the risk of substance misuse.

Thrive Mat-Su partners with numerous community groups and organizations such as No More Mat-Su, Youth 360, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to keep offering enriching activities to local youth.

“They all share the same goal as us," Clayton said.

Clayton said they've had a lot of positive feedback from local parents about their programs. He said it's very fulfilling to know this group is making a positive impact on the community.

“I know that parents really appreciate the safety and positive influence of Thrive,” Clayton said. “It's a great effort to be a part of.”

To pre-register for the Candyland Dance Party, text "Event" to 907-745-5826.

Local families interested in getting involved can join the text alert system by texting "Event" to 907-745-5826 to receive notifications about upcoming activities and events.

For more information, visit thrivematsu.org

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com