Harlem Swim Team Will Serve Valentine's Day Dinner

During the Middle Ages, people in England and France held a belief that birds started to look for their mates beginning February 14. For this reason, February 14 was called the "Birds' Wedding Day" in parts of Sussex. This historical note helped to link Valentine's Day with love and romance and likely explains why today, one of the most popular customs of Valentine's Day observed worldwide is to go on a date with a sweetheart.

The community of Harlem will be honoring these ancient traditions and contemporary customs by offering a Valentine's Day Dinner in the Vet's Club building, located at 530 Central Avenue West in Harlem. According to event organizer Kellie Rasmussen, the Harlem Swim Team will be serving an Italian themed menu for area community members interested in enjoying a night out while helping support the swim team.

The menu will feature Caesar Salad, Fettucine Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, Italian Mixed Vegetables, Breadsticks, Punch, and a variety of Cheesecakes from which guests can choose. "It'll be a little like Olive Garden," Rasmussen said, "with swim team members serving the meal. They will be dressed in black slacks, white shirts, and red aprons. We also hope to have a cash bar available since the Vet's Club is no longer in business."

To accommodate what Rasmussen hopes will be a good crowd, there will be two seatings for the meal: 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. "Last year, we served over 100 guests," she said.

Tickets are available at the Clothing Company, 201 Main Street South in Harlem, or from any swim team member. "We depend on advanced ticket sales to help us know how many guests to anticipate so that we prepare plenty of food," Rasmussen explained. A minimal number of tickets may also be available at the door.

Initially, the swim team began serving the meal out of necessity. Five years ago, they were approached by other towns on the swim team circuit to hold a meet at the Harlem City Pool. Before that could happen, they would need new starting blocks since the old ones were unsafe and needed replacement. Because the starting blocks would cost $1,500 apiece, the parents of some team members signed for a loan to purchase the starting blocks for the swimmers.

"We set a goal, and to meet it we had to have funds," Rasmussen stated. "So, we discussed what might work to raise money. Since the town of Harlem didn't have a restaurant that served a fancy dinner, we thought the Italian meal would not only provide some funds but give people a place to go out for dinner in Harlem. Valentine's Day often falls in the middle of the week, so a late night out in Havre or Chinook just isn't an attractive option for people who have to report to a job the following morning. And the weather and road conditions in February can also create obstacles," Rasmussen added.

Although the bank note is paid off, the dinner has continued, not only because of the meal's popularity but because it offers a service to the community. "It also gives older members of the community a chance to interact with our young people," Rasmussen said.

Funds raised are now used to help defray pool costs so that the swimmers who work the event can swim for free. "There's a lot of expense with swimming, not just pool fees but travel costs," Rasmussen said. "Our meets are in places like Glendive, Plentywood, and Hamilton, and gas is expensive!"

Anyone with questions or wishing to purchase tickets for the Valentine's Day Dinner is encouraged to call Rasmussen, who serves as president of the Swim Team Parents' Organization. She can be reached at 353-4524.

So, a fundraiser that started out as a necessity has become somewhat of a Harlem tradition. A person might say that the Harlem Swim Team is keeping history alive. Dinner with a date joins feasts from the Middle Ages, as well as ancient Roman festivals and legends about early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The popularity of Valentine's Day stems from the combined effects of multiple legends and beliefs that wish not only to commemorate the coming of spring but to glorify the unparalleled feeling of love. It has not been created by greeting card companies as some people believe it to be.