STORY BY CAROL COLE

PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Upper Big Wood River Grange is hosting a Contra Dance from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 19, with a live band and caller at the Grange Hall, 609 South 3rd Avenue in Hailey.

Caller, David Quinley will again be leading dancers in long-ways sets and circle dances to music by members of the Strings Attached band.

Contra dances have been always popular in the valley. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults, $5 for teens and free for kids 12 and under accompanied by an adult.

To protect the newly refinished dance floor, dancers are asked to wear a pair of clean, light-soled shoes that won’t scratch or leave black scuff marks.

The dance tunes are old-time mountain music with Irish and Scottish jigs and reels. Contra dancing evolved from English and Scottish country dances and has brought people together since the 1700’s.

All the steps will be taught before each dance. No partner? No problem! Dancers progress through circle and long-ways sets, dancing with everyone along the way. Contra dances are a family-friendly activity for all ages and everyone is welcome.

The event is organized by members of the Upper Big Wood River Grange, which was chartered in 1924. The National Grange has its roots in supporting American farming families and communities. The Hailey Grange supports local food production, hosts the Wood River Seed Library, supports community organizations like 4-H, provides scholarships for high school seniors, and provides a space for meetings, dance classes and other community functions.

To learn more www.grange.org/upperbigwoodriverid/