You can find me in the club

Have you ever noticed that during summer, the days begin mixing together? Those two precious days of freedom that everyone savored during the school year have turned into three months of summer bliss -- for teenagers, that is.

Everyone else contributing to American society is scowling down upon us and wondering why their cubicle is so small.

However, there's no mistaking Friday nights at The Mix, a local hotspot for guys and gals ages 13 to 19 who come here to party it up and dance the night away.

Upon entering the club, you'll be greeted by a bouncer who frisks you for anything out of the ordinary such as drugs, weapons or assorted cheeses.

Then you're free to go on in and do as you please, whether it's getting a virgin mixed drink at the bar or getting slapped in the face after you make an unwanted move on a girl.

"It can get a little rough in there at some points, but it's only happened on a couple of occasions," said Mark Lamont, owner of The Mix, referring to disputes or arguments among the clubgoers. "And it usually is over a girl. However, we have security in there to take care of that sort of situation."

While I was sitting there, admiring the impressive graffiti art and flashy lights and watching everyone having a good time, an announcement came over the speakers.

"The Southeast Missourian is in the hyyouuse!" the D.J. screamed over the microphone as I sat in my dark corner making observations. I don't really know why he said it, since that's about as exciting as saying your local librarian is in the house. But I just sat there and smiled at their welcoming gesture, hoping a spotlight wouldn't be cast upon me.

When going outside to speak with the owner, I noticed a main sidewalk that led inside the club. Several people were just sitting there talking or taking a break from the nonstop dancing action ... and none of them was smoking.

"They're not allowed to," Lamont said. "If they go past the sidewalk, they can't go back in without paying again."

While continuing our conversation, I learned the club's name was voted on by the students of Central High School in Cape Girardeau. Other top choices became names of drinks available at the alcohol-free bar. He also noted that different promotional tactics are used when it comes to getting more people involved and having a good time.

"Every Tuesday, we have a super foam party where we fill the dance floor up with soap suds and everyone can dance in that," Lamont said. "And tonight you get a free drink if you wore yellow."

"Oh," I said, looking down at my nonyellow attire.

Young people obviously don't have a problem with the rules or parent-friendly atmosphere when it comes to partying.

"I'm having an awesome time," 17-year-old Katrina Eftink of Cape Girardeau told me as she drank one of the many concoctions from the bar. "I forgot to wear yellow, too, so I'm just drinking my boyfriend's."

People who'd rather not dance in public places, such as me, can always make their way into the auditorium-sized game room where pool tables, basketball goals and other arcade machines await those who are rhythmically challenged.

"I don't want all these people to see me dance!" 15-year-old Kelsey Templeton of St. Louis said as she played pool with some of her friends. "Besides, I'm much better at pool."

After leaving The Mix, I realized that this club isn't just a place for teens to have a good time. Parents can feel better and enjoy their evening as well, knowing that their sons and daughters are in a safe place, dancing and meeting new people.

"I just wanted a place for kids to come to on the weekends and not stay around the house playing video games or get into trouble," Lamont said. "If you can keep that many people occupied and having a good time in one night, that's an accomplishment in itself."

The club is open from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

sdereign@semissourian.com