BURRILLVILLE – Swinging music from The Live Music Band and lively-looking conversations at the annual Spring Dinner Dance inside the basement hall at St Patrick’s Church in Harrisville last Saturday night drowned out the demanding rainstorm tapping at the windows.
One hundred or so friends and families were seated at banquet tables feasting on dinner then dessert. Then some of the people stepped up to the dance floor as the band struck up their signature “sixties and seventies rock n’ roll favorites and other oldies.”
The Live Music Band “looks forward to this every year. It’s fun. People appreciate having a just fun night,” said Matt Swanton, a member of the popular band.
“It’s important as a parish community not only to pray but to celebrate life,” said St Patrick’s Church Deacon Richard Lapierre. “Eating, dancing together, that’s who we are; we have a need to do this as human beings.”
“We decided nine years ago to engage the parish community,” explained Jim Langlois, Chairman of the Spring Dinner Dance. “Another reason to get together, other than at church, is to reach out to the community at large and provide good food and dancing.”
The dinner and dessert was prepared by church cook Roger Johnson. The dinner dance is “a great charity. We need to keep the church going. A lot of people are helping,” said Johnson.
Arthur Aubin – like the cook – was briskly moving back and forth from the kitchen to the food table.
“I serve at mass, and I serve food,” said Aubin. “I do a lot of volunteering, 25 years at RI Blood Drive.”
Bonnie Charpentier of Harrisville attended the annual dinner dance and was choosing pastries for the party seated at her table. The annual church festivity is “a lot of fun. A time to get together, with relatives and friends,” she said.
Barbara Langlois and George Lough were tending bar.
“Today is a day about camaraderie, and a fundraiser, all feel good for the church,” said Langlois.
After dinner, some people were up and boogieing, while others took in the music tapping feet or swaying in their folding chairs; still others sat back and just listened, or continued conversing, more animatedly, as the band played rock music, sound that over-powered the rainstorm.
“We come every year. It’s nice,” said dancer Caroline Ross of Harrisville.
Her dancing partner Richard Ross said he was having a great time.
Another couple, coincidentally of the same last name as the other dancers, Ron Ross and Cheryl Ross of Smithfield were dancing up a storm as the weather storm continued on and off outside.
“The food was excellent,” said Cheryl. “It’s a chance to socialize with the other parishes, the parishioners. The music is really, really good. We have seen them before; they’re excellent. And we like to give the church support.”
The church organizers are apparently already thinking of next year.
“We put this together as an opportunity to express fellowship, not only to our church community, but our wider northern Rhode Island community,” said George Lough, a St Patrick’s Church Trustee. “This brings the community together. Next year invite all your friends and family to come.”
That’s next year, whether there is rain or sunshine outside the door at the St. Patrick’s Spring Dinner Dance in Harrisville.
