Deep in the mountains of Colorado, nestled on the side of the range of 14-ers (14,000 ft above sea level mountains) known as the Collegiate peaks, named after the ivy league schools (Princeton, Harvard, ext.), is Buena Vista.

The town is rich in history, from the old brothel of Cock-eyed Liz, to the locals pronouncing the name wrong because a German woman settled the town, there is a lot to be offered in background.

In the winter the town slows. The misty chill leaves the night streets bare and during the day, skiing is the nearest thing to an activity that draws the out-of-towners. But in the summer, the town comes alive.

The town is situated along the Arkansas river, making it rich in rafting, kayaking and river surfing, and hosts FIBARK (First In Boating the Arkansas) a festival dedicated to river sports.

Summer camps situated on the outskirts of the valley bring youth from all over America, as well as all over the world, for work. High ropes courses, river sports, swimming, horseback riding, and archery are all apart of summer life of Buena Vista. And while the town is small, every one knows everyone else, and the one street light marks the center of town, the summer festivities are unlike any others.

Over the 4^th of July weekend, a parade, craft fair in the park, and a light show (as fireworks were banned this year.) But the event that drew the valley to the small center of town, was the street dance.

Closing off a large portion of main street, your group classics like the Macarena and YMCA would prompt dancing, as well as the few country songs that led into line dances.  Families were dancing, the 20-somethings that were working the camps twirled and bounced their way around the street, which was dedicated the ‘dance-floor’. People walked by with icecream from the local restaurant that would give out gift certificates for the small competitions that took place throughout the event.

(Contestants of the bubble blowing contest)

I had lived here for a couple years back in High School. First time in a public school and had a graduating class of 75, and football games were a town event. My summers were spent waitressing and helping out at one of the summer camps with some wonderful people I still keep in touch with. But tonight it hit me – If I weren’t from little ol’ “BV”, and I wanted to just find a fun summer place to work while making my way along the U.S.A., I would choose Buena Vista, no competition.

And all the while, spinning, twirling, bobbing and stomping, the community joined together on main street. The mountains in the backdrop, buildings from the 1800’s flanking you, good music and fresh air, I thought ‘I was so lucky.’

(Swingin’ on the streets)

(Raft guides that got dressed up for the event)