Bethesda Place in Steinbach was transformed into a lively Wild West scene this week, complete with country music, Western décor, and an extra dose of fun for residents.
Wild West fun brings music, memories, and plenty of toe-tapping
Recreation coordinator Sheryl Harder says they try to host one big event each summer, and this year’s idea started with music and grew from there.
“We wanted to have a music band to really liven this place up and then the décor followed behind that and then the food followed after,” Harder explains.
Music and memories
Local band Small Town Limits brought the house down — or rather, brought the barn to life — with fiddle tunes, two-stepping music, and 1960s country hits.
“There was a whole lot of finger-snapping and toe-tapping,” says Harder. “The two-stepping really brought back the old memories of the dancing they used to do.”
Recreation worker Cordelia Wiebe says it was moving to see the impact.
“Although they can’t get up and dance, they were dancing in heart. They were shaking their wheelchairs, clapping their hands and tapping their toes,” she says. “It was just wonderful to see so many of them engaged.”
Western flair and hearty snacks
The room was decked out with Western gear — much of it from Harder’s husband’s garage — along with horse tack donated by a friend. A few key décor pieces came from bargain hunting.
Residents enjoyed a hearty snack of chicken fingers and French fries with homemade dill sauce.
“It’s something they don’t normally have,” says Harder. “We try to give them things they wouldn’t usually get here.”
Big turnout, big smiles
With about 85 per cent of residents taking part, the event filled the room with music, laughter, and community spirit. Staff and volunteers, including young summer helpers, made sure everyone could join in.
“It was just a really down-home, good time,” Harder says. “A lot of fun to do.”