It had been nearly a year since lead singer Beth had been to her hometown when Aitkin Riverboat Heritage Days street dance came up in this Minnesota coer band’s event schedule, we knew this was going to be special.
The weather was messy in the morning and warmed up nicely throughout the afternoon. By the time the festival opened, people were starting to gravitate toward the streets. The entirety of downtown was blocked off, so people could choose whether to be close to the stage or in the back by the vendors.
The band put together their best work to engage a street dance audience and it worked. By the time we got to “sweet Child of mine by Guns N’ Roses, nearly everyone with memory of that song, including the youngsters were upfront chanting along
The City of Aitkin and its people were excellent hosts. Even Beth’s high school choir teacher and his wife were in attendance up near the front.
It was life coming full circle. High school friends, acquaintances, even strangers who just owned cabins up north enjoyed the weather and the energy of the street dance. It was the first year back for the street dance as a part of this annual festival. Judging by their response, we can tell you that it was a resounding success!