ACU alum Steve Eller’s idea of Valentine’s Day has nothing to do with chocolates, overstuffed teddy bears and cheesy cards.

For the second year in a row Eller is organizing a Valentine’s Day event that will include all generations gathered together in a good old fashioned, small town dance hall.

Eller took his family on a trip several years ago to Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, where he had a dance night full of family-friendly fun and realized that Abilene needed a place just like that. He kicked off Eller Hall last February as its first dance, Beloved, which he called a success.

“People love the atmosphere,” Eller said. “Family friendly is at our core, and we strive to conduct business, relationships and entertainment in a manner where you can bring your family and still have an enjoyable evening.”

The second Beloved dance will take place from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday in a warehouse at 201 Mesquite Street. The event will include country music and food trucks, including Sweet Side and Toasted Traveler. Advanced tickets are $4 for youth (ages 12-17) and $8 for adult. Tickets will be available at the door for $5 and $10. Everyone under 12 is free.

To maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, Eller Hall has a no-alcohol policy. It also will have live bands that play two-stepping country music and line dances to get the whole community involved.

“You’ll see generations gathered in the same place,” Eller said. “Small children filled with laughter, attempting to move their feet in rhythm to the sounds of old songs. Families come together. Some older couples glide gently across the floor as if dancing was the sixth love language.”

Eller has six more dances planned through May and, even though it is just a pop up dance hall for now, he is looking for a permanent space.