Rainier Round Up Days street dance blossoms into local favorite

Over 100 residents of Rainier and surrounding areas broke out their dancing shoes and gathered during the evening hours of Friday, Aug. 21, at Holiday Park, for the annual Rainier Round Up Days street dance event, which is quickly blossoming into a community favorite.

Victoria Cooper, a volunteer with the community enrichment group We Love Rainier, told the Nisqually Valley News during the event that the group puts on four events each year, including the street dance at Holiday Park, followed by Trunk or Treat in October, a Christmas tree lighting in December and an egg hunt prior to Easter.

“When we started doing these events, somebody suggested that we do a street dance and we thought it was a great idea,” Cooper said. “Turner Automotive and Bo Foster from Signature Realty got on board and they brought the band in. We just sell food to try to make a little bit of money for our next event. This has turned out to be a great thing for the community and the people in town love it.”

Cooper believes this is “probably” the sixth year that We Love Rainier has hosted the Rainier Round Up Days street dance. She was thrilled to see a big crowd gathered at Holiday Park to dance, spend time with friends and family, or to simply enjoy some live music — as The Randy Band was performing throughout the evening.

Cooper noted that the feedback surrounding the street dance has been great, claiming that people were complimenting the event to her throughout the evening. She added that the band was great and the weather cooperated, which created an atmosphere where everyone in attendance could have a fun time.

Additionally, the local tradition of Rainier Round Up Days is near and dear to Cooper’s heart, as she grew up in the small Thurston County town.

“Each little community does their summer festival. For Rainier, it’s Rainier Round Up Days,” Cooper said. “I grew up here — I’m 80 years old — and I was in the parade when I was younger. It’s been around for a while. It’s a great tradition. It’s a special celebration for me.”

Cooper noted that she lived in Rainier through her freshman year of high school before moving to Tumwater. 16 years ago, she made her return to the small town and instantly sought to give back to the community.

“Since I moved back, I’ve been involved in the We Love Rainier group. I’m involved in the Rainier historical group, and I also cook at the Rainier Senior Center,” she said. “It’s been a lot of fun being involved.”

All in all, Cooper said the street dance is a nice, community-based event where attendees are able to celebrate Rainier Round Up Days for a little longer. She believes that Rainier itself is a great community, and stated she’s thankful that incidents don’t take place at the local events.

“If you haven’t been before, come down and try it out next year,” Cooper said. “We get people from all over. These aren’t just Rainier residents. They come in from all over.”

For more information about the community enrichment group, visit We Love Rainier WA on Facebook, or visit its website at www.WeLoveRainierWA.org.