The streets of Stanley, population 119 or so, aren’t always quiet. Every Thursday the community gathers for live music and dancing on a closed street.
The Street Dancing Thursday event brings a live band to the streets of Stanley for a night full of dancing.
The event is hosted by local businesses the Kasino Club and Papa Brunee’s on Ace of Dimond Street. The event is from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
The different bands play a wide variety of music from many different genres that people can dance to.
“There's always someone pulling up swing dance or, you know, jumping up and down. And it's usually pretty fun. And it's definitely out on the street. It feels comfortable. And people aren't too intimidated. And everyone seems to want to dance,” said Jim Slanetz from the Kasino Club.
The event is family-friendly, and children are encouraged to dance as well.
“A lot of times there's kids out there. And then the other good thing is there's always some kids out dancing. And then there's also a lot of teenagers. I like to see that, you know, the all-ages type of thing out there,” Slanetz said.
The event was inspired by the tourism that takes place in Stanley. Many people who visit the Sawtooth Mountains also attend the street dance.
“People wanted something to do on Thursday night to make the weekend a little bit longer for Stanley. I think the city likes it and the hotels like it because it gives people a reason to come up to Stanley for a longer weekend. And it's just real fun and the raft guides look forward to it and all the local employees look forward to it,” Stanetz said.
The dancing’s location is unique because it has a direct view of the Sawtooth Mountains.
For more information about Street Dancing Thursdays, you can visit Kasinoclubstanley.com.