Derek and Candi Williams, of West Bountiful, swing dance to a live jazz band

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Romantic revelers celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Main Street Merchants’ Association’s first-ever Romancing on Main dinner and dancing event.

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Association President Mike Murphy serenades the crowd during dinner

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A couple holds their infant son as they waltz across the floor

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BY REBECCA PALMER

Clipper Editor

 BOUNTIFUL — Diane and Robert Bingham have waltzed, pranced and boogied their way through the decades together.

Though they can no longer keep it up all night, they plan to continue taking one another in their arms for a swirl for a long time to come. 

The Binghams met at a singles’ dance about 25 years ago. Saturday, they celebrated their anniversary at the Romancing on Main Valentine’s dinner and dance at the Wight House.

Each table was lit with candles, and Mike Murphy of Murphy’s Guitars strummed a guitar and sang sweet love songs for the crowd. Just about the time hot plates of gourmet chicken and raspberry-garnished salad arrived on tables, Susie Carter walked to the stage with elegance and grace that outdid even her beautiful black velvet gown. Then, she started to sing. Dozens of couples all around the room couldn’t help but fall deeper in love.

Later, a live jazz band entertained couples of all ages. Many couples broke out in swing dancing, and another couple danced while holding their infant son between them.

The event, a first for Bountiful, was part of the efforts by the Main Street Merchants’ Association to bring the community together and revive the neighborhood.

At just $40 per couple, including dance photographs, the association may have lost money on the event, but plans for one that is bigger, better and more romantic for 2014.

Debbie and David Brenchley of Roy heard about the event in the Clipper.

“We go to every dance we can,” Debbie said, breathing heavily after a rigorous dance session.

Richard and Doris Bunderson, like many guests at the event, learned of it through friendship with Murphy.

“It’s just nice and relaxing; it’s just been a beautiful evening,” said Doris Bunderson, of Centerville. “We were just saying how lovely Bountiful Main Street is, so quaint, so delightful. I toured Europe, and it reminds me of that.”

The merchants’ association is planning other events this year such as live music shows and outdoor sales events as part of its campaign to bring attention to Main Street. Details have yet to be hammered out, but you can learn more at bountifulmainstreet.com.

See a photo collage of the dance in the Feb. 14 edition of the Clipper, page 14.