STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Contra dances are returning to the Hailey Grange as the weather turns cooler.
The Upper Big Wood River Grange will host its first Contra Dance of the winter season from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Grange Hall, 609 South 3rd Avenue.
Strings Attached band will provide the Irish and Scottish jigs and reels, and caller David Quinley will lead dancers through long-way sets and circle dances.
A quick review of basic contra-dance steps will start at 6:30 p.m. Participants need not have a partner, nor do they need any experience.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $30 for two adults. They’re $5 for teenagers and free for children accompanied by an adult.
Dancers are asked to wear clean, light-soled shoes that won’t scratch or leave black scuff marks on the floor.
Contra dancing evolved from English and Scottish country dances in the 1700s. Dancers progress through circles or long lines dancing with everyone along the way.
The event is organized by the Upper Big Wood River Grange, which was chartered in 1924 to support farmer and communities. The local grange supports local food production and community organizations like 4-H, hosts the Wood River Seed Library, provides scholarships for high school seniors and provides space for meetings and dance classes.
Learn more at https://www.grange.org/upperbigwoodriverid192/.