FARMINGTON — The Zebra Club returns Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Homestead Kitchen, Bar and Bakery.

Once a year, the community has the chance to dress up — flapper style for women and pinstripe suits for men — and sneak down a back alley, whisper the password “Joe sent me” to the doorman and be admitted to a 1920s Speakeasy Dance Party.

The prohibition-style speakeasy promises a place “where the drinks are cold and the Jazz is hot,” according to organizers Sherry and Doug Walrath.

Dinner is served from 5 to 9 p.m. Music and dancing begins at 7 p.m.

It’s all in fun and “the community really gets behind it,” Doug Walrath said. “They show how much they care.”

The night of dinner, music and dancing benefits the Care and Share Food Closet in Farmington.

It’s November and time for Thanksgiving for most, but some children and families are hungry and hurting, Sherry Walrath said.

The Walraths have raised almost $1,500 in ticket sales and donations. The funds will be matched, up to $1,500, by Franklin Savings Bank, giving the food closet $3,000 or more, she said.

Farmington has some unique shops to help people dress for the dance party.

The consignment shop, Wears and Wares, and The Outskirts are giving 10 percent off items specifically purchased for the Speakeasy, Sherry Walrath said.

Dressing up is optional. Most people really get into it, though, with gloves, fringed dresses, feather hairpieces, hats and pinstripes for the men, said Danielle Nault, owner of The Outskirts. “It’s increasing each year,” she added.

It’s something unique to have the resources to re-create this era “all right here in our little community,” Laurie Danforth of the Homestead said.

Frost Antiques loaned some teacups for the event, Sherry Walrath said. In the 1920s, teacups hid the forbidden beverage, she added.

The Homestead is preparing some special dishes, Roaring Twenties appetizers and entree specials for the menu, including Baby Face Nelson Ribs, Saviello Gangsta Pasta and Legs Diamond Chicken a la King.

These will be served by wait staff dressed as chorus girls, flappers, molls and mobsters.

Drinks will be served by celebrity bartender Tom Saviello under the watchful eye of celebrity gangsters, including Jon Bubier, Doug Walrath said.

The South Strong Road Crew and Friends provide authentic 1920s jazz for listening and dancing. There’ll be music from the turn of the century up to 1940 with a concentration on the 1920s, he said. Ragg, blues, Charleston and traditional jazz are included.

Sherry Walrath teaches dances such as the Charleston and the Peabody during the evening.

Along with the Walraths, Andy Buckland and Scott Dixon make up the band and are joined by Mel Tukey, the premier jazz trumpeter of Maine, and Peter Lord from the Bellamy Jazz band, Walrath said.

Tickets are $15 and are available from the Homestead. Reservations are strongly suggested and may be made by calling 778-6162.

abryant@sunjournal.com