Street dance to liven up town

Merchants operating a diner in Turner Valley are taking action to liven things up in their small town.

Country Store Diner co-owners Curtis Dixon and Kim Ellingson aim to host a community-wide activity each month to bring businesses and residents together. The couple opened the diner on Main Street in January 2016.

“We really want Turner Valley to get its vibrancy back,” said Ellingson. “Our customers talk about things they used to do when people had more money to do more things.

“Because businesses closed people aren’t staying in the town and doing stuff. We are hoping to put some energy back into the town and hopefully attract more businesses.”

Ellingson and Dixon are celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary with a family-friendly, old-fashioned charity street dance featuring live music, a pie-eating contest, dancing, children’s activities, beer gardens and supper.

The street dance takes place in the Country Store Diner parking lot and Edgar Avenue, a portion of which will be closed, July 8 from 8 p.m. to midnight.

“We have a giant parking lot and we wondered how we could use this space,” she said. “It’s just something that popped up in our heads. We just thought let’s do an old-fashioned street dance.”

More than 70 tickets have already been sold for the event, which will include live country and rock music by Turner Valley cover band Soulchild, a silent auction with proceeds going to the Oilfields Food Bank, a pig roast with corn on the cob and birthday cake.

“A lot of local people are inviting friends from Calgary and surrounding areas to come,” she said. “We are beyond thrilled about it and how it’s been accepted. We are really hoping it takes off and becomes an annual event.”

Youngsters can enjoy face-painting, a magic show and movies. Babysitting will be provided for a donation and hot dogs and pizza will be served, she said.

“We want families to enjoy a meal together and we want families to have fun together,” she said.

The Country Store Diner owners are inviting other businesses to join in. Among those that hopped on board are Turner Valley Liquor and the Eau Claire Distillery, said Ellingson.

“Some are very supportive and some are a little tentative just because of the economy,” she said. “We are trying to bring people back to Turner Valley so it’s going to help everybody.”

Turner Valley Mayor Kelly Tuck said this type of collaboration is what the community needs more of.

“That’s what it’s going to require in this economy is businesses helping businesses so I’m very pleased to see that,” she said. “It’s definitely a trend that I think is continuing.”

Tuck said she has not ever attended a street dance and is looking forward to it.

The Country Store Diner’s August event is a baseball tournament. A date has not been set.

In June, the diner was involved in hosting a region-wide car rally, and also a motorcycle ride to raise money for veterans.

Tickets to attend the street dance can be purchased at the Country Store Diner or by calling 403-933-2331. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at the gate and $5 for children ages 12 and under with proceeds going to the Turner Valley School Legacy Park.