With grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts and hula dancing, the community of Swifts Beach came together to celebrate in luau style. 

The Swifts Beach Improvement Association had a tropical twist Saturday, July 19 to bring the neighborhood together and enjoy the Joseph W. Conway, Sr. Memorial Playground. A new pickleball and basketball court presented guests with a reason to party.

Event organizer Christy Patalano said she couldn't have thrown the luau without help. The volunteers and association lent a big hand into the party as well as the Wareham Cultural Council who sponsored the festivities. 

"We thought, 'Well let's have some fun in the summer," she said.

Food, drinks and temporary tattoos were offered to guests. For 6-year-old Skyler Cronin, the party was a culmination of everything she loves. 

"I like going to the beach," she said. "I don't like staying home."

Yumi Matsumoto was offering Polynesian dancing to luau-goers and said being near the beach reminded her of her home country of Japan. 

"It makes me happier. Being taken away from my island I was homesick for a while, but Massachusetts has some great beaches here so it's nice to be part of the seaside communities," she said. 

She said she has been teaching dance for over 10 years.

"I love dancing and it's been my passion for a long time, so being able to share the Polynesian culture and the beauty of it with everyone is just fun for me," Matsumoto said. 

Makayla Patalano took part in hula lessons and asked Matsumoto questions about dance. The luau isn't her first time busting some moves, however.

"I love to dance because you can pose a lot and do pretty moves," Makayla said. "I'm always gonna be a dancer."

As music flowed and guests tested their hula skills, the community practiced what Matsumoto said was, "reflecting the spirit of aloha," together by showing love, compassion, kindness, respect, and living in harmony.