A deer hunting ritual

This year, the 45th annual event that kicks off with the opening weekend of deer season is scheduled from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Nov. 5 at Cingmars Hall.

Cingmars Hall sits tucked away off County Road 8 in Littlefork. In the 91 years of the building’s existence, several events have come and gone, but the deer hunters dance has come to be part of the historic building’s past.

“It is such a fun event,” said Zelah Imhof, one of the event’s organizers.

Imhof is a member of the Cingmars Farmer’s Club — the group that keeps up Cingmars Hall and puts on the dance.

The idea for the deer hunters dance came from farmers who lived around the hall. Imhof said the group would frequently hold dances and plays at the hall to entertain themselves.

“They had a guitar, a fiddle, and an accordion,” Imhof said of the original group. “Since then, the dance has always been a growing thing.”

One feature of the dance that may pop into the heads of those who have attended in previous years is the dress code.

It is by no means ball gowns and suits.

Most of those who attend the dance walk in with their blaze orange, camouflage and flannel. And if there is a lucky hunter who bagged a deer opening day, there’s a chance they didn’t get a chance to change before the social festivities begin.

“Come as you are,” Imhof said to potential guests.

Imhof laughed as she described some of the “characters” who attend the event. “I don’t know how people can dance in their big hunting boots,” she said, “but they do.”

In the 45 years the dance has been held, Imhof said a new crowd is putting their stamp on the event.

“So many of the old hunters are gone,” she said. “There are some of our old faithful hunters that keep coming and that is what keeps us going — the people that support us.”

Imhof said the farmer’s club has a “gentleman’s agreement” with the band “Timberline.” Timberline has provided musical entertainment for the deer hunters for several years, Imhof noted, however, she said this year will be their last.

“It’ll be a little like the end of an era as far as the music goes,” she said. “The members of the band have told me this is their most favorite dance they play for.”

Imhof added that the music has always personally been her favorite part of the event and she loves to watch people as they move to the beat.

“If you come to this dance, you have to enjoy being a people watcher,” Imhof said with a laugh.

All in all, Imhof said the dance is a huge social event. Many people have not seen each other since last year’s dance and she said the event brings them together to share stories into the late hours of the night.

“The deer hunting stories are the most popular stories told,” she said. “We hear hunting stories galore. Of course, there is always one telling about the big deer that got away.”

Admission to the dance is $10 per person and a sloppy joe supper and “refreshments” are provided.

While crossing her fingers for good weather, Imhof said she looks forward to the dance all year and enjoys seeing those who come out to have a good time.

“Every year is a little different, but (the dance) is a ritual,” she said. “It would be sad not to have it.”

Directions from the Falls to Cingmars Hall are as follows: Turn left onto U.S. Highway 71 after Pelland Junction. Take a left turn off the highway by the old BP gas station. Turn left again onto Littlefork’s Main Street and follow up to the school. Turn right before the school, onto Highway 217 and travel about one mile to County Road 8. Follow County Road 8 about 6 1/2 miles to Cingmars Hall.