RBC Pioneers Association shifts gears to include newcomers, younger generations
RBC | According to a brief note in the June 29, 1912, Meeker Herald, the pioneers of the White River Valley had been holding a summer reunion before that year, but 1912 is the official date given for the Rio Blanco County Pioneer Association’s annual “Old Timer’s Dinner and Dance.”
“An old White River pioneer, Mr. J. W. McMahan, writes from Helper, Utah, to inquire if the White River pioneers are going to hold their summer reunion, and when? A lot of now absent pioneers would attend a summer reunion. Get busy, yet committee.”
It’s unclear when that 1912 reunion was eventually held, or how well attended it was, but in subsequent years the annual dinner and dance became a local tradition that high school class and family reunions were organized around. It was an event looked forward to by locals in an isolated community. Usually held in June, the event provided a welcome respite from the long, dark days of winter and the spring labor of farming and ranching. By 2008, the 96th annual event, a crowd of 320 people packed the Fairfield Center.
For many years, the bylaws of the Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association limited membership in the association — and thus attendance at the dinner/dance — to those at least 30 years old, those who had been enrolled in any of the Rio Blanco school systems for any length of time, or who lived in Rio Blanco County for 30 years or more. The residency requirements created a “perception” for many that younger residents weren’t welcome, and that newer residents were excluded. As attendance dropped, the committee voted to remove the original bylaw membership requirement. Everyone over 18 who is from Rio Blanco County or has lived here at any time is invited and welcome to attend this year, the first year back for the dinner/dance since 2019, when the pandemic interrupted social gatherings.
“There are so many new people in town,” said committee treasurer Sabine Murray, who hopes this year’s inclusive event will be an opportunity for new residents and younger residents to meet and get to know the longterm and older residents a little better over food and music.
“It’s nice to have a county party and bring people together,” said committee member Mike Grady.
This year’s dinner/dance has a 1950s theme and will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Fairfield Center in Meeker. Doors open at 3 p.m. There will be an opportunity to record family histories, a cash bar supplied by the Lions Club starting at 5 p.m., dinner provided by Ma Famiglia at 7 p.m. and a dance to follow with live music by The Main Line band. Awards to recognize the Spirit of the Pioneers will be presented.
Registration is required by Aug. 12 to reserve dinner. Visit https://www.rbcpioneers.org to register online. The cost of the evening is $35 and includes annual membership in the Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
