Submitted by:
Debbie Soloway
The Pine River Community Centre hosted a special coffee house on October 26th, 2013 that included great entertainment and talented performers.
Click any picture for a larger version.
The afternoon started off with introductions, organizer Debbie Soloway introduced Honorable W. Yvon Dumont as the MC for the event (Past Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba and on air DJ for NCI FM Radio Station – Metis Music Hour – Norman Chief Show).
Yvon acknowledged some of the other dignitaries present; Honorable Ron Kostyshen (MLA Swan River), Honorable Kevin Chief (MLA from Winnipeg and coordinator for the Norman Chief Memorial Square Dancers); Honorable Rosanne Wowchuk (former MLA Swan River); Sonny Delaronde founder of the Norman Chief Memorial Square Dances (2004) from Winnipeg; Ron Burwash (former Flin Flon Bombers hockey player); RM of Mountain Reeve Robert Hanson and RM of Mountain Councillor for Pine River and the organizer for the event Debbie Soloway.
He then introduced the famous band “The Gaudry Boys” (Dylan, Zachary, Ryan and company) from St. Laurent and the well known “Bellsite Coffee House Band” Allan Rowe, Sonny Bronconnier, Les Rosteski, Fred Boucher and company. The hall was filled with over 200 people coming from all points of Manitoba and other provinces. The event got under way with the Bellsite Band accompanying the first 15 entertainers including two young female fiddlers, 13 year old Brittney Moore and 16 year old Tayler Fleming.
The dancers in the audience warmed up the floor enjoying the polkas, two steps, waltzes and jigging. Then the “Spirit of the Jig” came to life when the “Norman Chief Memorial Square Dancers” hit the floor accompanied by the Gaudry Boys Band, the unbelievable fast fancy foot work brought the crowd to a standing ovation. The dancers performing were Kevin Chief & Jessica Lavallee, Sonny Delaronde & Kaela Lavallee, Darrell Sais & Kylre Sais & Kailee Lapointe-Still, Rob Cueto & Shaelynn Sais & Elaine Ranville. The synchronized graceful dancers made the difficult dance steps look breathtakingly easy. The next entertainers to take us to the supper break were Joe, Al and Connie Henry (family band from Boggy Creek).
At this time Honorable Ron Kostyshyn made a special plaque presentation to Mr. Anthony (Tony) Semeniuk, from the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for a Private Member’s Statement. Tony was recognized as a leader and businessman in the Pine River Community for more than six decades, and presently at the tender age of 90 he continues to operate the Semeniuk’s Lucky Dollar Groceteria.
The potluck supper included many different types of entrees, salads, vegetables and chili followed by a substantial variety of delicious desserts.
Then the entertainment resumed with the remaining 15 entertainers accompanied by the Bellsite Band. The evening would proceed with the door prize draws, congratulations to the winners, Darlene Mekish, Rose Palichuk, Gail Spence, Sandy Hogarth, Bert Cockerill & Julie Sensisky and subsequently the 50/50 draw with proceeds of over $300 went to lucky winner Nancy Fagnan. The entertainment continued with each entertainer performing another selection taking us to the end of the night. The Pine River Community Centre Committee were overwhelmed by the great success and wonderful compliments brought by the spectacular event.