Almost every Monday night this summer, Adam Schluter is inviting you to his place for a potluck.

You and everybody else, that is.

Monday marked the start of the season for his Monday Night Dinner, the backyard potluck on Third Street in Coeur d'Alene.

The social events, typically starting in May, are open to anyone who brings food and a $10 donation for the band or host. The latest dinner marked the 65th Monday Night Dinner, the first this year, and roughly 60 people attended.

“One of my favorite traditions when growing up was Monday night dinners,” said Schluter, host and homeowner for the event. “Every Monday night, me, my family, friends and anyone else that wanted to come would come and have an amazing meal together over wine and beer, and just have wonderful conversations.”

Bombastic Brewing provided the beer to get things started this week and, for those who lingered into the evening, there was a firepit around which some talked long into the night. Music was provided by the combo portion of the big band, Zonky.

“I know it's not always easy to come to things like this,” Schluter said. “There's a lot of people, it's social, people want to talk to you and hear about you, it's close, it's personal. I am 100% an introvert and get very overwhelmed at every single one.”

Schluter encourages people to invite anyone they can, though he enthusiastically encourages them to bring food. As a result, he has nearly 1,000 followers on the Monday Night Dinner Facebook group, which should gather more followers through the season as more people invite their friends.

“To any of you that have been wanting to come to these dinners, but have been nervous to, I get it," Schluter said. "But if you just give us a chance and show up to only one dinner, I have a feeling you're going to thank yourself that evening, when you drive home.”

Denny Lundholm of Coeur d'Alene attended Monday's dinner with a friend.

“I loved watching you dance,” Lundholm said to a couple swing dancing on a deck in the backyard. “My husband and I used to swing dance, so seeing you doing it really fills me with joy.”

Lundholm used to dance with her husband through their long and loving relationship, until they both got COVID-19 — she recovered and he didn’t. At Monday Night Dinner, she’s able to get out and hang out with friends from her widow’s group, meet new people and introduce them to her date, who’s learning to swing dance.

Zonky-4 played vintage hits from the '50s while a few people danced. Many people chatted around a huge picnic table.

“Let's dance, let's laugh,” Schluter said, encouraging those curious to visit his Facebook page. “And let's start this summer off right.”