Fairgrounds to fill with square dancers this weekend

Enthusiasts gather for state convention

They’ve mostly left the hoedowns and the barns. California dancers, in more modern mode, will take to the Yuba-sutter Fairgrounds this weekend for the 58th California State Square Dance Convention.

Bonnie Abramson, Sacramento, convention committee co-chair, said the event will draw between 500-600 square dancers from around California who will be staying in the area this weekend.

The event will feature five halls with various levels of difficulties, from beginner to advanced. Eight vendors will sell food, square dancing attire, buttons and patches to commemorate the convention. The cost ranges from $20 to $45 for participating dancers, depending on how long they will be at the event. The general public can watch for free.

“A lot of people have the image that square dancing is a hoedown in a barn – we have callers who are all across the board with the music they use,” Abramson said. “We kind of like to say ‘we’re not in the barn anymore.’ It’s a very modern activity” (The caller announces the square dancing moves while the music plays and the dancers perform the specified steps.)

Abramson, who is also involved in the annual Harvest Hoedown, said the popularity of the local event spurred the convention committee to choose the Yuba-sutter Fairgrounds venue.

“For the most part square dancing is not a competition,” she said. “It’s really a way to renew old acquaintances and to see old friends.”

She said she hopes the dancing piques the interest of spectators, who will then take up lessons.

“It keeps your mind and body active.” Abramson said. “When you get that 10-15 minutes of constant moving, it’s great aerobics exercise.”

She also said the activity sidesteps social status.

“Once you’re on the dance floor, what you do for a living goes out the door,” Abramson said. “Nobody pulls rank, you learn who they are as a square dancer, not what they do for living. A lot of it is about the friendships you make.”

The convention will begin at 9 am. and conclude at 11 p.m. on Saturday, starting back up at 10 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.castate2018.org.