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The McLean Community Center celebrated five decades of bringing residents together with an anniversary party on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Held from 5 to 10 p.m., the event featured music spanning the decades, dancing, food, drinks and trivia. The center officially opened in October 1975.

McLean historian and former MCC board member Carole Herrick traced the building’s history and the community effort behind its creation. She said residents recognized more than 50 years ago that McLean needed a place capable of connecting its growing population.

“The citizens got together, advocated for a community center, and it was the citizens in effect that built the community center that opened in 1975,” Herrick said.

An anniversary memory board highlighted the center’s lasting role in local life. Sarah Schallern Treff praised residents for valuing community enough to tax themselves in support of the center. Mike Fischer described MCC as a consistently joyful place for his family.

Kyle Corwin said his favorite part of the center’s work is seeing the happiness it brings to people who enter its doors. Executive Director Betsy May-Salazar pointed to MCC’s sponsorship of the revived McLean Winterfest Parade as another example of the organization creating hometown memories.

Upcoming events include the free Festival of Frights and Trunk or Treat at the Old Firehouse from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Norbert Leo Butz will present “Broadway or Busk” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, with tickets available.

MCC also plans a Fly & Movie outing from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, featuring an indoor skydiving experience.