After a hiatus of about a year, the Bryson Lions Club once again invited the community to a Valentine’s Dance held this past Saturday evening, and, oh, how they responded.

“They’ve been waiting quite a while for us to host another dance” said club president Betty Leach. Along with Paul Lacroix, she welcomed people at the door as they arrived, collecting an almost nominal door fee from the 100-plus guests and offering tickets for a 50/50 draw.

Leach may be small in stature but she is a giant in charm. You almost immediately want to invite her for tea at your own gathering or perhaps join her at her own.

What passes for a local event in Bryson defies conventional definition, with guests including regulars from . . .

Barry’s Bay and Eganville, and some from as far away as Mississauga.

“We drove up from Gatineau” said one person, “and we’re from Pembroke,” said another.

“It was so nice greeting all of the people again, and to see so many new faces,” said Leach.

The dance floor was bursting at the seams with every musical number that entertainers Dennis Harrington & Heritage Country offered up.

Heritage Country is a traditional country and square dance band with a unique blend of classic country favourites, old time fiddle waltzes, two-steps and polkas, along with a lively collection of square dance calls. Founded by Dennis Harrington in an effort “to continue to promote and retain the traditional country sound,” the band includes Harrington, Marie Brydges, Keith Selle, Ken Conway, Eldon Ostrom and Alison Andrews.

Given the numbers on the dance floor, and the almost equal number of people quietly singing along, their sound and energy clearly resonated.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on old time dances,” said Harrington. “With dates being cancelled, and not being able to play for close to three years, it is nice once again to see people coming out, dancing and enjoying themselves.

“When they are out dancing and laughing, they are forgetting for a timeframe any problems they may have. It is wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of all the people dancing,” Harrington said.

Watching 20 or more couples, clad in red, waltz elegantly around the hall was as joyous as watching four full squares promenade and swing.

“See that couple there?” said Rosemary Zimmerling, pointing to a couple waltzing on the dance floor. “They’re 92, and their son just turned 70.”

Melanie Beriault ran the canteen, while Relics Leach quarterbacked the kitchen, and attendees were invited with a “ways & means” whereby any contributions to a late lunch were welcome. This was no idle call as when the clock struck 11 p.m. and late lunch was served, there was a veritable smorgasbord of food from one end of the buffet to the other.

In a show of just how much fun was being had at the dance despite the late hour, the lineup for lunch snaked around the entire hall. This snack, like the dance, was not to be missed, unless of course the band started up again. Priorities were clear.

The next dance will be on Mar. 16 for St. Patrick’s Day, and if luck be your charm, you’ll be there.

The Bryson Lions Club hosted a well-attended Valentine’s Dance this past Saturday.

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