Kick up your boots at Hallockville’s barn dance

Yeehaw!

The sounds of fiddle music and the stomping of cowboy boots will once again fill the historic Naugles Barn as families of all ages gather for Hallockville Museum Farm’s annual Summer Country Barn Dance on Saturday, July 25 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. This is a tradition dating back to the early 2000’s that blends live music, community spirit and old-fashioned square dancing.

The dance is led by square dance caller Chart Guthrie, with live music supplied by Dance All Night. Mr. Guthrie has led the dancing at this event since the tradition began over 20 years ago. The ticket fee goes directly to Mr. Guthrie and the band, since Hallockville Museum Farm is a non-profit organization.

“The best part of this event is it’s everyone from little kids to grandmas having fun in the barn,” said Hallockville Museum Farm’s assistant director Lillian Cowburn. “Mr. Guthrie tells you what to do, so you don’t need dancing experience.”

Guests are able to arrive at 5 p.m., to enjoy a picnic inside the barn, but dancing occurs from 6 to 8. Though no dress code is required, many attendees wear cowboy and cowgirl attire. Attendance typically ranges from 55 to 85 people. Ms. Cowburn stressed that advance registration is encouraged because walk-ins may be turned away if the event reaches maximum capacity.

The first phase of restoring the barn was completed this spring, leading to the first-ever spring rendition of the longtime summer event. Depending on interest from the community, Hallockville may put together a fall event as well. The renovations added insulation and climate control, giving them the ability to hold year-round events with the barn doors closed, as opposed to being open for the summer dance party.

“Because this is such a popular family-friendly event, we wanted to give people more options throughout the year,” Ms. Cowburn added. “