Penn State may be the No. 2 party school in the nation, but United Campus Ministries (UCM) thinks the social scene is missing something -- square dancing.

UCM will sponsor a square dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Rosenberger Barn in Centre Hall, about 12 miles from Penn State's campus.

Eric Sauder (sophomore-mechanical engineering) said this is the first square dance for UCM.

"We are trying to get people from all over campus together and especially people who aren't necessarily involved with anything," he said. "It is just an open invitation to the entire campus."

Sauder said UCM director Bruce Martin introduced the idea and hired a band to provide music for the dance and to teach students the proper dance moves.

"It's a family band from Auburn, Maine," Martin said.

"One of the members, Greg Boardman, has a number of CDs out right now."

Martin said the band is well known along the East Coast for calling and playing contra dances.

Contra dance is a less technical style, similar to square dance but in line formations, he said.

Martin said although UCM is calling the event a square dance, it is technically a contra dance.

He said contra dancing is a very social activity.

Dancer starts out with one partner and usually dances with 10 to 15 different partners by the end of a song.

Registration is not required for the event, but the planning committee said they expect 150 to 200 students to attend.

Sauder said donations will be accepted, but the dance is not a fund-raising event for UCM.

Ruth Parrish (senior-French) is also helping to organize the event.

"We realized there is nothing like this in the Penn State area," she said.

Martin said sponsoring the event is part of UCM's mission to provide activities for students outside of parties and drinking.

UCM will provide hot chocolate, apple cider and baked goods. They aim to keep the event alcohol-free.

"Obviously we cannot police the joint but we will keep an eye on things," Martin said.

Martin said he has been surprised at the overwhelming response and at how many students enjoy this style of dance.

"It's just good, clean, healthy fun," he said.