Members of Otter Lake’s chapter of the Native Alliance of Quebec (local #019) proved once again that they know how to host community. Saturday’s dinner and dance event, billed as Christmas In July, featured feast, fiddle, footwork and fellowship, all on high display for the duration of the evening at the town’s recreation centre.
Dinner was first up and the alliance’s Grand Chief Gérard Coulombe, who oversees the organization of more than 40 communities across the province, once again helped with roasting duties while a long list of volunteers rounded out contributions to the buffet-style meal.
Once the plates were cleared and space was made for dancing, well-known valley musician Dennis Harrington took to the stage with his fiddle and brought along Bill Wilson on guitar, Keith Selle on stand up bass, Marie Brydges on keyboard, Ken Conway on drums and Eldon Ostrom on guitar. Together, as Heritage Country, they stitched together a collection of oldies that had the dance floor bursting at the seams.
After a few musical numbers to help attendees get into their groove, Harrington and gang dove into what has become their much sought trademark: a hoedown and called square dance music. And it is here that the dance floor truly came to life.
With no less than two squares for the duration, attendees spun and twirled, ducked and chained, promenaded and passed through and exuded delight at every turn. It seemed as joyful for them as it was for those clapping in accompaniment.
Board members for Local #019 were present and active throughout. President Marie Beaudoin worked the door and acted as emcee while vice-president Anita Lafleur helped ensure everyone was having a good time and doubled down as assistant emcee.
Administrative director Lise Dagenais brought her guitar on stage and head-lined a few musical numbers, much to the delight of attendees, and directors Lucie Lyrette and Chuck Burke helped run the canteen while Ubald Coulombe assisted in the kitchen.
In an organization that works to promote togetherness, the breadth and leadership of their efforts was on display as they honoured, in possibly the most traditional of ways imaginable, both their heritage and that of attendees: hosting community. Miigwech.
