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Folk Dance Federation of California, South, Inc.
The Lantern Closes? By Dick Oakes |
THIS IS HISTORICAL INFORMATION ONLY
"Twenty Eight Great Years of Lighted Lantern"
Square Dancing Magazine, September 1975
One of Square Dancing's institutions, Lighted Lantern dance vacations high in the Colorado Rockies, closed its doors for the final time this past summer.
Over the years many hundreds of dancers coming from all parts of North America enjoyed dancing to some of the world's truly fine callers who came to the "Lantern" each summer. Resident "pro" Raymond Smith was typical of the high level of enjoyment expressed by the camp over the years.
Lighted Lantern was the "child" of Paul and Pauline Kermiet, whose guiding hands directed it along the way. The Kermiets, long active in Colorado square and folk dancing, were honored last April by the Denver, Colorado, Area Square Dance Council. A scroll presented to the two read in part "In recognition and appreciation of the unselfish and outstanding contribution and achievement in the advancement of square and round dancing."
A lasting influence has been felt by square dancers who have known Paul and Pauline. They were members of the Golden Hi-Steppers, Lighted Lantern Round Dance Club, and Colorado Folk Arts Council, serving as Caller, Director, Board Member, Leader, Vice-President, and Council Representative. The Kermiets started one of the first round dance clubs in the area, helped organize the first Round Dance Festival in Colorado, served on [the] steering committee to found the Colorado Round Dance Association, were leaders of round dancing at six National Conventions, and served as Chairman of Ronund Dancing at the Denver National Convention.
Paul and Pauline operated the Annual Folk Dance Camp for 20 years and the Rocky Mountain (Lighted Lantern) Square Dance Camp for 28 years at Lookout Mountain. The 1975 season is their final one at the Lighted Lantern, marking the end of the Lantern Programs.
Paul and Pauline are owners and operators of the Square Dance Record Roundup in Lakewood. Their six children were all involved at various times in square, round and folk dancing.
Our heartiest congratulations to the Kermiets, Paul and Pauline, for their years of dedication and untiring efforts on behalf of square, round and folk dancing.
The Lighted Lantern Folk Dance week actually was viable for another two years. ~Dick Oakes