Square Dancing at a
Family Reunion

by Bobbi Ann Johnson Holmes

Square dancing may not seem like your cup of tea, but surprisingly it proved to be one of the most memorable and enjoyable reunion activities I’ve experienced over the years.

            In 1986, I was almost 32 years old when I attended the second Talbot Family Reunion, held in Grants Pass, Oregon. Many of us were staying at the same campground, and a large covered cabana at the camp provided the venue for our gatherings and meals.
            One of my husband’s first cousins, who lived in the Grants Pass area, arranged for us to have square dancing as one of the reunion activities.  My sister’s in-laws were active square dancers, complete with the traditional square dance garb, so I was somewhat familiar with the activity. Frankly, I’d never consider trying square dancing, after all, wasn’t it for old folks?
            Well, Don’s cousin who arranged the activity wasn’t old; she was in her mid-30’s and a tiny, cute little thing who showed up at the event wearing a sassy cowboy hat and western shirt. The local square dance callers she arranged arrived with their music system and prepared to teach the group a thing or two about square dancing.
            Line dancing was fairly popular during this era, and it was something I wanted to try, but my husband’s knee troubles kept us from regular dancing. Since I wanted to be a good sport, I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did, because the activity…well it was a hoot! Everyone seemed to have a genuinely good time, everyone from the little kids, to teens and all the adults. 
            Back in those days, the only elderly member of the group was Grandpa Talbot, the head of the clan, therefore I recall most everyone participating. Yet, this activity was even enjoyable for those who simply wanted to sit and watch.
            Overall, most of the group had no prior square dancing experience, yet that didn’t stop anyone from dancing and having fun. I recall going home from the reunion and wanting to get involved in a local square dance group.  Of course, Don’s knee got in the way, but it didn’t stop us both from having fun at the reunion’s evening of square dancing.
            Instead of arranging for square dance callers for your reunion, another option would be line dancing. Just remember to arrange for professionals who are accustomed to a large group of novice.