As many as 350 Taylor Swift fans — or Swifties, as as they call themselves — descended on Mount Scio in St. John’s Friday night for a party in the name of their favourite superstar.
“We are so excited that many people came to celebrate with us,” said Gina Martin, who hosted the event, dubbed In My Swiftie Era, with Tabitha Hicks.
Held at the Easter Seals building, the hall was packed with people, including children, teens and adults of various ages, walking shoulder to shoulder between vendors selling merchandise related in some way or another to the American superstar.
“We love doing markets. We love doing events and supporting other local businesses,” said Hicks, who with Martin co-owns Magic Storm Events.
From earrings made with each of Swift albums, tote bags with quotes from well-known lyrics and even baked goods inspired by songs, made by Hicks’ bakery, Cloud Puffs.
Martin had a table right next to Hicks’, selling original art inspired by Swift as well.
But the highlight of the event was at the gym inside the building.
Disco-style lights illuminated the room as Swift’s hits blasted for dozens of kids who danced and sang in unison, with some parents singing just as loudly.
Arlette Lazarenko took in Friday night’s celebration of Taylor Swift at a rented hall on Mount Scio.
“She’s relatable to all ages. And the very positive influence,” Martin said.
“And great music, obviously,” Hicks added.
“We were very happy to be able to do an all ages event tonight and have all of our little Swifties. My daughter is running around here, [and] Gina’s daughters are running around.”
Fans also talked about Swift’s next week, The Tortured Poets Department, which will be released next Friday.
In the crowd were two die-hard Swifties: Alissa Fitzgerald, 15, and Chloe Spurrell, 17, from St. John’s.
Fitzgerald said her parents got the tickets to the party as a gift for Easter and she tagged her friend along.
“It was just a great way to celebrate what we love with other people,” Fitzgerald said.
“I was most excited for the dance party inside because we are both huge Swifties,” said Spurrell, who proclaimed herself a Swiftie last year compared to the six years of her friends.
“I really started to get more into her music and into Swiftie culture, I guess, when Lover came out and… it just like it felt so right. It just felt amazing and I’ve loved her music ever since.”
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