By Melissa Buckley
GUIDON staff
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Blackjack Bar and Grill is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with an ’80s theme this year.

“We decided to do Cinco de Mayo with a twist — bring people back to a simpler time when their only worry was big hair and bangles,” said Megan O’Donoghue, Family and Moral, Welfare and Recreation marketing director.

“For our young Soldiers, this gives them a chance to visit a different era; for those of us a ‘little older,’ it gives us a chance to relive our youth. We’re not old — we’re retro,” O’Donoghue said. “The 1980s was a decade best known for being experimental, new and exciting. It was a time of many changes, both good and bad, not just in fashion but also in movies, music, and even politics. It was during the ’80s that the world first came to know about compact discs, the VCR, MTV and Nintendo.”

O’Donoghue wants attendees to get out their hair crimpers and neon clothing for the event.

“The ’80s was such a great decade for fashion, a chance to really show your creativity and individuality. Girls wore really big hair and dressed in layers — think Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. Power dressing was in, large shoulder pads and power suits. Guys wore T-shirts with suit jackets — think ‘Miami Vice’ — and both sexes wore Doc Martens. Preppy to punk — it all happened in the ’80s. Accessories were huge in the ’80s — we didn’t accessorize — we ‘excessorized’ and loved it,” O’Donoghue said.

The band Naturally Blended will be performing a variety of rock music from the ’80s, ’90s and today.

“While they are not an ’80s cover band, you’ll get to enjoy some good old fashion ’80s hair band music along with some covers of today’s top music,” O’Donoghue said.

On May 5, Black Jack Bar & Grill will open at 5 p.m., the Cinco de Mayo party will be from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.


Designated drivers special:

“We want to make sure that everyone has a great time and parties responsibly and that means making sure you have a designated driver in your group. Designated drivers receive free non-alcoholic drinks all night,” O’Donoghue said.

There will be no cover charge and the party is for people 21 and older. The Blackjack Bar and Grill is in the Pershing Community Center at 4109 Piney Hills Drive.