Peabody's Newhall Farm To Host Dance For Humanity Flash-Mob Event

PEABODY, MA — A day of dancing and learning about the work that takes place at a community farm is planned for Peabody's Newhall Fields in June.

The June 18 event at the Lynn Street location, in collaboration with the Melrose-based nonprofit Dance For Humanity, is designed as a fundraiser and a way to grow awareness for the farm's contributions to those in need in the region.

"It's to bring people together to shake loose the winter cobwebs, to celebrate the summer solstice, to simply have fun, and to raise funds for the farm and Dance for Humanity's good work," event organizers said.

The schedule includes a meet-and-greet at 9:30 in the morning and an hour-long dance at 9:45 a.m. in which attendees are encouraged to learn simple, core moves or to improvise their own dance technique with all movement styles and levels welcome.

The idea is to dance, feel good and support regenerative agriculture.

After a snack, water and rest break, attendees are invited to spend an hour volunteering on the farm and learn farming skills, including planting, harvesting, loosening soil and maintenance.

A discussion group on the day will follow until noon.

The goal is to raise $2,022 for the farm with a suggested donation of $25.

Organizers said 75 percent of the proceeds will go toward Newhall Field's efforts to increase high-quality, nutritious, local produce for the community and the Summer Youth Crew.

Eighty percent of Newhall's harvest is donated to local emergency food providers.

The remaining 25 percent of proceeds will go toward Dance for Humanity's efforts to bring people and communities together through dance to support eco-social causes.

Those looking to attend, or donate if they are unable to attend, are asked to go here to do so.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)