We kept hearing about the epic trip to Teller that we just had to do as a group. Last year’s volunteers recounted their trip for its annual Cultural Festival to us newbies more times than I can count. There was fog! There were white knuckles! And oh, the dancing!
We’ve even heard a story or two from the volunteer group from two years ago. A long lasting (still to this day!) friendship was born in the front of the car while the backseat passengers slept soundly.
But would we be able to pull off the combined feat of getting someone to cover Maddie’s Saturday shift, gain access to a vehicle, and pack enough snacks and prepare enough crowd-pleasing playlists to keep the tradition going? That would remain unclear up until just two days before the festival, when all the parts seemed to fall perfectly into place.
We filled up on gas, snacks, and songs and headed out on the open road.
Although I was the only one that could drive the standard shift vehicle we were loaned (thanks mom and dad!), and although that vehicle didn’t have a stereo or radio, Mitch kept the tunes thumping, and both Kraegel and Maddie were troopers in the tiny backseat that left them facing one another with their knees bumping with every bump in the road (of which there were many).
We made it to Teller with a few group selfies under our belt and time to spare before the community potluck that preceded the dancing. A walk around town offered stellar views and a healthy portion of fresh air before heading into the school’s auditorium for what could have been the next sixteen hours.
While we didn’t stay for all of the dancing, which, rumor has it, lasted until 9am the next morning, we did get to see some incredible and inspiring groups perform. With myself as the only driver, we decided to leave town while the sun was still shining, and although my knuckles never turned white, as the fog thankfully remained at bay, great conversations were had and friendships were deepened. Along with continuing the tradition of attending Teller’s Annual Cultural Festival, we will surely continue the tradition of relentlessly urging next year’s volunteers to make the trip themselves.
