BLACKSBURG –
It may be hard to believe, but it's been three decades since the movie "Dirty Dancing" premiered.
Since its release in 1987, it's not only become a classic movie hit all over the world, but it's also given Giles County and the New River Valley a claim to fame as the location where the majority of the film was shot.
This weekend, Mountain Lake Lodge and the Lyric Theatre are teaming up to celebrate the film.
The story of Baby and Johnny began at Mountain Lake Lodge back in 1987, but 30 years later, their story is far from over. Thousands of people from all over the country are coming back to the area this summer to relive that summer romance.
Donald and Joanne Barclay from Pittsburgh are among those couples.
"We like to go back to where it all began," Donald Barclay said.
The Barclays decided it was the best place to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
"It's kind of been part of our life,” Donald Barclay said. “We kind of grew up with it," wife Joanne chimed in.
They are staying at Mountain Lake Lodge in Giles County this weekend. Friday they toured the Lyric theatre, where 30 years ago a line of people wrapped around the streets of Blacksburg waiting to see the movie premier.
While Mountain Lake Lodge hosts another popular "Dirty Dancing" weekend up on the mountain, on Saturday the party will continue in Blacksburg.
Many of the extras who still live in the area and were seen in the movie will be on hand at the Lyric theatre. A slideshow of pictures from the set will be displayed followed by the original film at 7 p.m. Executive Director Susan Mattingly said they were asked by multiple people to host a special screening of the movie for the anniversary.
"This is a really great moment of nostalgia. We are the nostalgic theatre and the movie is nostalgic, so it was the perfect opportunity for us to do what we do best and that's to bring the community together," Mattingly said.
After the movie airs, the party continues in the streets as dance instructors from the Sapphire Ballroom will be on hand to show guests some of the all-time favorite dance moves from the movie.
Tickets are $12 for the public and $10 for Lyric members. Go to the theatre's website for more information.