People from throughout the country will descend on Katikati this Sunday to boot scoot en masse in an annual line dancing fundraiser that supports local organisations.

The Mural Town Line Dancers will host their Fundraiser Social on August 23 inside Katikati War Memorial Hall from 11am to 4pm.

Proceeds will go to the local Anglican church and Hato Hone St John ambulance service.

Organiser Lurline Plummer, who is one four line dancing instructors alongside Patsy Spriggs, Lynne Sydenham and Jo Hurne, said last year’s event drew more than 120 people and she expected the same level of interest this time.

“We get people from all over: Auckland, Whitianga, Whakatāne, Rotorua, Matamata, Tauranga, Hamilton… people will travel for miles to line dance.”

The Fundraiser Social is about dancing, having fun and meeting new people, Plummer said.

“It’s complete line dancing. I make a programme and send it out in advance.”

It also supports two local organisations that gave their services to the Katikati community, Plummer said.

Mural Town Line Dancers, from left, Rita Parke, Lurline Plummer, Jo Hurne, Sharon McPherson and Lynne Smith usually boot scoot around Katikati St Peter’s Church. Photo / Supplied

She has taught line dancing in Katikati for 18 years, after she started the hobby in 2003.

“My husband and I were square dancers, but he couldn’t dance the style any longer, so I wanted something to keep me in the community. Then I thought, ‘What about line dancing?’

“There was no absolute beginners’ class in Katikati back then, so I started one in 2008 at Katikati’s St Peter’s Church.”

The first Fundraiser Social was held August 2013 at Katikati’s old Museum site on State Highway 2. Plummer had since invited line dancing clubs from throughout New Zealand to the event.

Because of increasing interest, Plummer shifted the event to St Peter’s Church the following year. Then the event outgrew that location.

“We just got too many people for the space we had. It was a good problem to have. So we shifted it to the memorial hall in 2015.”

Since then, proceeds had gone to St Peter’s church and Hato Hone St John.

“We only take out the cost of the hall. The social is very much funded by our club – all door and raffle prizes are donated by members.”

Mural Town Line Dancers Lurline Plummer and Jo Hurne are ready to welcome more than 100 people to boot scoot this Sunday. Photo / Merle Cave

Members also lend their hands to set up the hall “and do whatever is need to run the social”.

“We supply morning tea for people arriving, as some travel a long way to attend.

“It’s a lot of music, a lot of dancing and a lot of fun – it’s just lovely!”

What does Plummer love about line dancing?

“It’s the music, the dance steps, it’s the people – it’s a very friendly club. I enjoy getting to know people and enjoy their company.”

Plummer said line dancing isn’t hard to learn if you start in a beginner’s class.

Mural Town Line Dancers has classes for all levels. Absolute beginners run Tuesdays 9am-10am and Thursdays 6pm-7pm at St Peter’s church. Dancers can stay for an extra hour both days for a slightly higher level.

Wednesday classes run 9am-midday. The first hour is Absolute Beginners, then Beginners, Improvers and Intermediate.

“Line dancing is a wonderful way to exercise the body and mind and lots of fun,” Plummer said.

To participate at the Fundraiser Social or enjoy watching the action and the raffles, door entry is $5.