Barn dance supporting Walk for Women’s Cancers a sellout
Yamaska Valley Optimist Club (YVO) President Ginette Couture says that the sixth annual barn dance at the Mason family farm in Iron Hill was a sellout with 300 tickets purchased for the supper and dance and at least 30 other people showed up just for the dance. The dance serves as a precursor for the annual Walk for Women’s Cancers. Like the walk, the barn dance is an inclusive, affordable activity allowing all members of the community to participate in supporting the BMP Hospital as well as youth in the area.
Stetsons, cowboy boots, plaid shirts, and jeans dominated the packed barn that had been transformed into a party palace. Couture says the event was more like a traditional hoedown. We owe, in large part, Johanne Coiteux and the Mason family who are the driving forces behind this great event,” Couture said. “The torrential downpours, thunder, lightning and winds didn’t dampen the festive mood of the crowd. We were also very privileged to be able to introduce our honorary co-presidents, Louise Bissonette and Bishop’s student and TBL resident, Miranda Coté who spoke. People of all ages danced all night right up to 11:45 p.m. to fabulous music, and many door prizes were won.”
Though the official tally has yet to be disclosed because the club’s accountant always likes to make sure that everything is included and justified, Coiteux thinks it is possible that they might not have reached as much as last year when they raised about $5,000 after expenses. Proceeds are always divided between supporting activities and services for youth with a larger portion committed to the annual Walk for Women’s Cancers in October.
Always aiming for it to be an event for all generations to enjoy and to be able to afford to attend, Coiteux marvels at what she feels is the best part about it. “It is the community spirit that is the most beautiful thing that happens. Everybody works together, nobody argues or fights. The work to make it happen is unbelievable.” This year it was particularly challenging because of the frequent downpours leading up to what is known to be an indoor/outdoor event. “Lineups for food were not easy, everything ended up having to be inside but
everybody gets on board and just does it without even knowing what’s to be done until they arrive.” Coiteux says that just the Mason family is 20 people strong. They are welcoming and always eager to pitch in.
The trademark pink pop-up tent owned by the YVO was airlifted by the howling winds twice. The first time Susan Mason’s team managed to get it back up. The second time they not so lucky. Coiteux says that it is destroyed and will have to be replaced.
Despite the occasional power outages, the two bands (South East Mountain Boys and the Cavemen) just kept on playing and the dance floor was jammed with foot-stomping party-goers between ages 3 and 90. Coiteux gave a shout out in particular to all who contributed: Metro Plouffe for ice delivery and discounts on other necessary items, the church of St. François Xavier in Bromont for tables and chairs, Patrick Grumsby for loaning his tents and getting someone to pitch them, Debbie Hornig and Shelley Mizener for all the flower arrangements, and many others. Coiteux said the arrival of the Virgin Hill Airstream trailer with free coffee for all was extremely helpful. “Matt Greer and Tara Moor were extremely helpful. But she said she is grateful to the Mason family. “They give us the barn and prepare food for 300 people. We do not how much work this it. In one day the barn is transformed from a shelter for cows, hay, and farm equipment to an amazing party for 300 plus people. On Saturday evening they gave people the opportunity to forget all their problems and dance the night away. I want to thank so many people for making this an extraordinary experience for everyone.”