In spite of the Heat Dome firmly entrenched over the Similkameen Valley last weekend, people began arriving in our quaint former gold mining community early Saturday afternoon, ready to party. Due to the covid pandemic, the highly popular annual Hedley Street Dance had been cancelled the past two years. Now the festive atmosphere suggested a pent up desire to make up for lost time.

Cars, pickups, motorhomes and motorcycles lined virtually every street. Scott Avenue, our main street buzzed with the excited chatter of people renewing acquaintances and making new friends. According to Mike, co-owner of the Country Market, 160 meal tickets had quickly been snapped up, many by outsiders. Those who were unable to buy tickets could console themselves with the knowledge they would still be able to dance. Two blocks of Scott Avenue had been cordoned off, and as in the past, the bandstand was placed near the Hedley Country Market.

I had been in the store earlier in the afternoon when there was a sense of controlled pandemonium, although not panic. Store owners Mike and Viktoria were rushing about, ensuring nothing was overlooked. I saw Sara, a cashier run out to attend to something, then hurry to her post at the till. Although the dance was organized by the Hedley Community Club, last minute decisions and actions were emanating from the store. It reminded me of a bee hive ready to swarm.

I saw that several tents had been erected in Woodlie Park in the heart of our community. They were needed to protect servers and food from the heat of the Hedley sun. In the late afternoon volunteers began bringing out bowls of salads and steamed potatoes. Pieces of chicken were ready to be placed on two barbeques.

Tables and chairs had been set up on the street in the shade of Hedley’s two story Post Office building. The places were quickly occupied and it was evident people were anticipating a sumptuous meal. Glancing around, I noticed that all age groups were represented, from the very young to white haired seniors. I recognized a number of Hedley people, but it was evident many attendees had come from other communities. Two couples I spoke with were from Kamloops, others from Princeton and Keremeos and a few from more distant places like Vancouver.

Dusk was already approaching as people finished eating. A hush of anticipation fell on the crowd when “Big Buck, ” a rock and country band, mounted the band stand. Young women, some in colorful summer party dresses, moved eagerly to the centre of the street with their partners.

My attention was drawn to a pretty young girl, about age 4. Wearing a flowing, brightly colored ankle length dress, she quickly became totally immersed in the music. With eyes closed, she was clapping her hands gently and swaying, seemingly in a trance and overtaken by delight.

Leaning against the stone wall at the front of Woodlie Park, I noticed a big man with an impressive black beard that aroused my envy. When the chair beside him was vacated, I sat down and asked his opinion of the music. He very much approved. He told me his home is in Princeton and he drives a logging truck for a local firm. I asked if he knew my friend Jesse, who also drives a logging truck. His face brightened noticeably and he said, “yes, I know him. When you see Jesse, greet him for me and tell him you were talking with James the Bear.” He stroked the luxurious black beard.

A skinny man of about 40 was standing close to me. Wearing no shirt or shoes, he was nervously shifting his feet as though trying to develop the courage to dance. Suddenly his lean body sprang into action and he hopped and skittered along the sidewalk, maneuvering through the throng of revelers. Waving an open can of beer and splashing the contents on a few passersby, he soon lost momentum and stumbled back and forth. People mostly ignored him but when he lost his balance, a pretty blonde woman gently grasped his arm and steadied him. Embarrassed, he mumbled “thanks” and ambled off into the darkness.

Observing the energetic, light footed dancers and the happy onlookers, I realized again that we’re fortunate to have community members willing devote many volunteer hours to breathe life into events like this. They bring us an abundance of joy.