See local dancing duo on KOMO-4 at 6 p.m. tonight

They love classic cars, but when Jerry and Jeri Kaufman of Burlington go for a spin it is just as likely to be on the dance floor.

The couple’s love of dancing, apparent to all during La Conner Live summer Sunday concerts at Gilkey Square, will be featured on an “Eric’s Heroes” segment airing tonight (Wednesday) as part of the KOMO-4 6 p.m. newscast.

Those in Seattle who have previewed the profile say it’s much-watch TV.

No surprise here, where the Kaufmans are much admired for their rare zest for life and tireless devotion to public service.

Jerry Kaufman’s connection to La Conner dates to his teen years. He remembers playing high school basketball in town against his friend Gail Thulen and is still haunted by the infamous dead spots on the plywood floor in the old La Conner gym.

He later made regular stops here as a manager with Puget Power and Port of Skagit Commissioner, often behind the wheel of a silver Porsche 911.

Jeri Kaufman, who has served as a hospital district commissioner, immediately embraced her husband’s fondness for La Conner – in great measure due to dancing.

“It’s a great place to dance,” she told the Weekly News. “The square there is nice and flat. It’s one of our favorite places to dance, and we really like it when people get up with us and dance to our boombox.”

The Kaufmans, who have been together 14 years, often dress in costume when they appear for holidays and at special events. Such was the case when they danced for the virtual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in La Conner last month.

It was then and there, through a series of shared photographs, that KOMO-TV became aware of how spectators – even while socially distanced – are drawn to the Kaufmans’ artistry. The station staff felt their dancing would be an ideal subject for “Eric’s Heroes,” the popular program hosted by anchor Eric Johnson.

“They called,” said Jeri, “and said ‘this is a story we think Eric would like.’”

So much so, in fact, that the “Eric’s Heroes” crew made two trips to Skagit Valley to film the Kaufmans in action. The sessions took place in La Conner, Anacortes and Mount Vernon, one of which was a romantic setting with Jerry donning a tux and Jeri wearing a black velvet dress.

“We like to entertain people, to make them feel good,” Jerry said.

They earn applause wherever they put their dancing shoes on. That includes cruise ships.

“I actually lose weight when we go on cruises,” Jerry quipped.

Their travels, however, rarely interfere with weekly summer dance dates at Gilkey Square.

“We’ll be there on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day and dance two and a half out of the three hours we’re there,” said Jeri.

They kick off each dancing season in Concrete during Mardi Gras, their arrival upriver an event in itself, with loud music blaring from the Kaufmans’ Ford Mustang convertible.

They likewise take pleasure in teaching others to dance. Jeri has ushered shy learners away from crowds during brief breaks to go over their moves.

“What I tell them,” she said, “is that as soon as the music starts, everybody else is going to be dancing, so they’re not going to be watching them. It’s so much fun and anybody can do it.”

The Kaufmans advocate dancing as a great outlet for physical, mental and emotional health.

“It’s good for the soul,” Jeri said, “and we’ve made great friends while dancing.”

As a testament to the benefits of dancing, Jeri points out she donated a kidney 25 years ago and has maintained her active lifestyle ever since.

“Dancing,” added Jerry, among the founders of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, “is one of the best forms of exercise. It fits in with what I’ve always believed – that whatever you do in life, make it fun and enjoyable.

“I can tell you,” he said, “that I really get a high out of dancing.”

Suffice it to say, for the Kaufmans, dancing is their Fountain of Youth.

“I’m 83,” Jerry said. “I won’t tell you my wife’s age other than the fact she’s four and half years younger than me.”

Neither, it is safe to say, has lost a step.