Haliburton Highlands residents are invited to dust off their cowboy boots and join Pride in the Highlands and partners for a session of line dancing in the street in Minden during Pride Week in the Highlands, which runs from August 18 to 24.
Dance Happens Here Haliburton (DH3) is partnering with Pride in the Highlands and the River Cone to host “Out in the Street Line Dancing” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 23.
“We’d be thrilled if some people who came who may have been a little nervous about line dancing left with a smile on their faces and feeling confident and comfortable, dancing, and moving together with others,” DH3 committee member Myra Stephen told kawarthaNOW.
“We will be excited if people are introduced to the work that Pride in the Highlands does and try the excellent food and drinks at the River Cone if they’ve never been there before,” Stephen added. “We will be thrilled if people of all ages and abilities come together to share good vibes and good feelings.”
Inclusion is the theme of the event, which is free although donations are welcome. Dances will be led by local line dance instructor Jacqui Bell, and everyone is welcome to join in.
“My approach is to teach some simple steps so that everyone feels comfortable joining in,” Bell said. “There will be something for everyone.”
In addition, as part of the afternoon activities, dancers from some of Bell’s classes will show off their moves.
Located at 119 Bobcaygeon Road, the River Cone will have food and beverages available, “plus a few special Pride in the Highlands features,” a media release noted.
“We’re so excited to have this happening at the River Cone,” said Monica and Ben Scott of the River Cone in a joint statement. “We are all about families and love doing things for the community.”
Pride in the Highlands co-chair Allan Guinan said the group is “thrilled” to partner with DH3 to host the community dance during Pride Week.
“We hope everyone will join us as we dance on the street to all kinds of music including queer artists and choreographers from Orville Peck, Elton John and others,” Guinan said. “Don your favorite street dancing shoes and come enjoy the fun.”
The event is possible due to funding support from the Government of Canada and donations to DH3.
Formerly Minden Pride, Pride in the Highlands is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community throughout the Haliburton Highlands, which includes Minden Hills, Algonquin Highlands, Dysart Et Al, and Highlands East.
Pride Week in Haliburton Highlands kicks off on Monday (August 18) with an official flag raising and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the municipal offices in Minden Hills, followed by the another flag raising with opening ceremonies at 4 p.m. at the Haliburton arena, with other events throughout the week.
For more information about Pride in the Highlands and a list of all the events, visit www.prideinthehighlands.ca.
