Dancing Through the Rain at Third Thursdays at Dominion Valley 🌦🎶

June 19, 2025, brought with it more than just another Third Thursday at Dominion Valley Market Square—it was a testament to the spirit and resilience of our amazing community. Despite a rainy start and an unexpected power outage, the event brought neighbors together for an unforgettable evening of live music, fun activities, and camaraderie. Let's take a look back at how the night unfolded and leave you with all the reasons why weather couldn’t dampen our spirits.

A Rocky Start That Turned Into a Perfect Evening 🌧️⚡

The event was scheduled to kick off at 6 PM, but mother nature had other plans. Scattered thunderstorms rolled in during the late afternoon, bringing a downpour of rain and a temporary power outage across the plaza. Challenges like these can be tough on any outdoor event, but the dedication of the Dominion Valley team and the enthusiasm of the community ensured the evening didn’t skip a beat.

By 5:45 PM, smiles broke across everyone’s faces as the power was restored and the rain finally cleared. The event was ready to welcome attendees — a little later than expected but no less vibrant. At around 6:20 PM, Bluesliners, the live band of the evening, did a quick sound check, and their soulful tunes started to fill the air. Guests began arriving, umbrellas in hand, with nothing but excitement for the night ahead.

Blues, Dancing, and Giant Games 🎸💃

The undeniable highlight of the evening was the incredible performance by Bluesliners. Their bluesy rhythms and upbeat energy created the perfect soundtrack for an otherwise stormy summer evening. Attendees danced to the music, transforming what could have been a washout into a heartfelt gathering for all.

“Now this is what you call dancing in the rain!” one excited guest exclaimed as splashes accompanied their moves under the pavilion once the rain briefly returned.

Interactive fun brought another layer to the evening's vibe. Alongside the live band, guests enjoyed engaging sidewalk games like the Giant Yard Games Suite, which became a hit among families and friends. From kids laughing over giant Jenga tumbles to adults reconnecting over cornhole challenges, these interactive activities brought smiles to faces young and old.

Adjustments that Kept the Magic Alive ✨

The occasional rain did make a brief comeback around 7:45 PM and stayed until about 8:30 PM. Teams acted swiftly, moving the yard games indoors and shifting the Bluesliners’ performance under the marketplace pavilion. Attendees adapted seamlessly, enjoying the cozy yet energetic atmosphere created under the pavilion's cover.

Patio diners from nearby restaurants, including Dominion Tavern and Tony’s NY Pizza, joined the action, drawn by the Bluesliners’ stunning performance and the joy emanating from the crowd. With unexpected foot traffic, the dance floor area near the games turned into the heart of the action — a testament to how community spirit can shine, rain or shine.

A Shining Example of Community and Resilience 🌟

While the weather may have kept the numbers lower than anticipated, the passion and energy of the 20 attendees transformed the gathering into a night to remember. The spirit of the Dominion Valley community was on full display as neighbors came together, not just to weather the storm but to dance through it.

Before the end of the event, the blues rhythms mixed with the sound of laughter and chatter as newly made friends shared stories.

One attendee summarized the evening perfectly, saying, “I’m so happy we came out, thank you for still doing this!”

Looking Ahead with Lessons Learned 🚀

The challenges of the past year have taught us the importance of community and coming together, even in tough times. As we move forward, we are committed to continuing our events and activities that bring neighbors closer and foster a strong sense of belonging.

We will also be implementing safety protocols and precautions to ensure the well-being of all attendees at our future events. Our goal is to create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone in Dominion Valley.

Stay tuned for more exciting events and gatherings in the coming months! And remember, no matter what challenges may come our way, we can always find strength in each other as a community. Thank you for being a part of Dominion Valley! 💙 #DominionValleyStronga

Upcoming Events Schedule

We are excited to announce the dates for our next community events in Dominion Valley! Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for another Third Thursday at Dominion Valley Market Square:

• July 19

• July 21