The cold didn’t phase Drury, who didn’t wear a coat, only a long-sleeved sweatshirt featuring “Dancing For Unity” in bold letters.
From his favorite dancing corner, High and Front streets next to the historic Butler County Courthouse downtown, Drury said the coming of 2018 called for a public demonstration of unity among the city residents.
He knew the weather would keep many away and admitted surprise at the dozens who responded to his social media urgings to come out for a quick linking of hands Saturday for a few minutes after 1 p.m.
“To see these Hamiltonians come out on a cold, cold day like it is today means everything to me. I’m quite frankly shocked,” said Drury, who greeted supporters, posed for photos and urged attendees to love one another.
“I’m doing this today to bring unity to Hamilton, Ohio to show the world we are united as a community and that the people of Hamilton care. We’re here today in the freezing cold to show that … to interlock in a human chain of unity. I mean what a powerful statement.”
Drury also recently used his gyrating fame to collect toys that were donated to children in need through St. Vincent de Paul’s Angels for Toys program.
Hamilton Mayor Pat Moeller was there among supporters.
“This gentleman has brought a lot of smiles to people’s faces over the last several weeks,” Moeller said.
“When I heard about this (event) I said I have to show up for this. It’s unity, it’s friendship and it’s looking forward to a great 2018. It’s a positive and it’s great to be in downtown Hamilton doing something positive.”
