Swifties unite! A nothing-but-Taylor-Swift party in St. John's sold out its tickets, organizers say
Up to 350 people came to bask in all things Taylor Swift
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 pop 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's bakery, Cloud Puffs.
Martin had a table right next to Hicks's, 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.
"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 album, The Tortured Poets Department, scheduled to be released next Friday.
In the crowd were two die-hard Swifties: Alissa Fitzgerald, 15, and Chloe Spurrell, 17, of St. John's.
Fitzgerald said her parents got the tickets to the party as a gift for Easter and her friend tagged 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 only last year, compared with 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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