News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

Williams Lake Whirlaways Garden Party Mainstream Jamboree

The 52nd Dance Jamboree for the Williams Lake Whirlaways took place at the Glendale Elementary School this weekend. 

"We are pleased with the turn out," advised Marie Gibbons, President of the Williams Lake Whirlaways.  There were 77 registered participants, some of whom travelled from as far away as Vancouver, the Okanagan and Prince George. "It was a great season of square dancing locally, now my husband and I are looking forward to travelling to some more square dancing events throughout the province this summer," she continued. 

The Caller, Dustin McGifford from Penticton is only 18 years old.  Although this is his second year calling for the Whirlaways season finale dance, he sounds as though he has been doing it for many years. Dustin will be returning to call the 2011 event. 

Between the square dancing, Mary Anne Turner cued the circle dancing.  Mary Anne joined the Whirlaways as a new dancer in 1988, where she met Nick, a caller with the Whirlaways since 1978.  Mary Anne and Nick married in 1993. 

"The Whirlaways regularly dance at the Child Development Centre throughout our season. We usually have four 'squares' which consist of eight dancers each on their regular nights, but welcome anyone who would like to come and join us," said Bill Deadmarsh, club Treasurer.   

On June 18-20, 2010 the 54th Annual South Cariboo Square Dance Jamboree will be held at the 108 Community Centre for the Lac La Hache Caribooters and the 100 Mile Twirlers. July 29-31, 2010 the National Square Dance Festival takes place in Halifax, NS and August 4-7, 2010 is the 7th Annual Peachfest Square Dance Festival in Penticton. 

Beth McGifford, Federation Treasurer, compiled statistics which show that there are 2603 dancers registered for the 2010 season in B.C., 224 of those are from Region 5, which includes the Williams Lake area.  Region 5 is the only district to have increased dancing numbers over the past 5 years.

You can find out more about the clubs and their events online at: http://www.squaredance.bc.ca.   

| More...