That late golden summer sun, the evening still lingering, the smells of a pig roasting on the barbeque, the merry tunes of Fiddlejam filling the air and the kids roaring around the parking lot outside — all the marks of the annual Pig Roast and Barn Dance at the Merville Community Hall, (Highway 19A). Sponsored by L'Arche Comox Valley, it's all happening on Saturday, Sept. 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. and continuing until the last weary dancers retreat to their chairs and the kids are carried out asleep to the family car.
It is one of the last flings of summer when friends and neighbours gather to celebrate each other's company and the privilege of living in this Valley. The meal consists of moist chunks of barbequed pork, mounds of coleslaw and a wide variety of baked beans. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available at a cash bar.
The feast will be topped off with the traditional dessert auction as cooks compete for the most scrumptious and elegant finale for the meal. Tables are encouraged to combine their financial resources to outbid each other in fierce but jocular competition and then, once they have had their fill, share with their neighbours. That way, most, hopefully, have access to several great desserts.
Fiddlejam, the Valley's beloved crowd string ensemble, will get even the most reluctant on their feet. Last year, the dance floor was packed with all ages burning off the calories consumed earlier, including one inveterate participant, wheelchair-bound but whirled around by his many friends. No one produces better tunes for country-style dancing than Fiddlejam.
This is the fund-raising and fun-raising event that those who support L'Arche enjoy the most. L'Arche provides affordable, stable and secure homes for adults with developmental disabilities. It believes that for everyone, meaningful work and daytime activity are vitally important to a person's dignity and sense of self-worth. L'Arche provides programs through its Outreach and Creative Arts Centre where people can exercise their creative talents, get assistance in finding employment or volunteer activity and engage in a range of social activities.
The proceeds of the pig roast will go towards new residences for people with developmental disabilities and an expanded Creative Arts Centre.
Tickets are $20 per person and $50 for two adults and two children (12 and below), with $10 for each additional child. They can be purchased at the Merville General Store, Courtenay Country Market both on Highway 19A, Laughing Oyster in Courtenay, Blue Heron in Comox and at the L'Arche Outreach Centre at 1001B Fitzgerald in Courtenay (250-871-6288). More info at www.larchcomoxvalley.org.
— L'Arche Comox Valley