Two familiar faces, and even more familiar cowboy boots, will be taking to the dance floor at Plum Fest this weekend. Karen Froese and Nettie Kehler, known as the “line dancing ladies” in Plum Coulee, are inviting everyone to join them Friday night (August 15) from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a high-energy, good-old-fashioned country dance.
Dancing for 24 years
Froese has been part of Plum Fest since 2001, the community’s Centennial year, and says she keeps coming back because of the people. “It’s our community. We just take ownership and we just like to be part of it.”
For those who have never tried line dancing, Kehler assures it’s easier than it looks. “Just keep up with the beat, just move. I walk through all the dances first, and then we do the actual dance.” Beginners are welcome, and lessons are included for free.
The pair will be dancing on Plum Coulee’s own wooden dance floor, built a few years ago by Froese’s husband and brother-in-law. “It’s smooth, easy to turn, and just makes dancing so much better than concrete,” Froese explains.
Crowds of 30 to 40 dancers usually fill the floor, but the ladies would love to see even more people join in this year. “Plum Coulee is a lot of fun,” Kehler smiles, adding that between the music, the movement, and the laughter, there’s something for everyone.
'It’s all part of coming together'
While their hearts are in the dancing, both are looking forward to other Plum Fest events, from food trucks to the old-time dance and the community breakfast. “It’s all part of coming together,” says Froese.
Plum Fest runs all weekend with events for every age. And if you’ve ever sat on the sidelines wondering if you can line dance, this is your year to step onto the floor, according to “the line dancing ladies” of Plum Coulee.