By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Square dancers were all smiles kicking up their heels trying to keep up with the caller at The Bascom’s annual Barn Dance last month.
The Barn Dance is a yearly tradition at The Bascom that has been postponed since the pandemic, said Billy Love, Deputy Executive Director at The Bascom. He said The Bascom hosts the dance each year as a nod to the popular barn dances once held at Helen’s Barn in Highlands.
Square dancers of all skill levels kicked up their heels at The Bascom’s annual Barn Dance.
“The Barn Dance has always been popular, and we received numerous requests to bring the event back,” said Love. “Throughout the summer, we do our best to host events that engage the community, and the Barn Dance is for that purpose. We want the community to feel welcome on the campus and to keep the campus activated throughout the season. The Barn Dance is another way to bring a variety of audiences to The Bascom.”
Love said they sold over 150 tickets, with kids admitted for free and the night’s attendance was fantastic.
Postponing the Barn Dance because of the pandemic did not dampen enthusiasm for the annual event.
“We invited Jackson Grimm and the Bull Moose Party to provide the music,” he said. “They did an excellent job and were happy to work with Franklin based country dance caller, Tom Tyre.”
Jackson Grimm and the Bull Moose Party cranked out tunes keepers attendees busy on the dance floor.
Love added that Tyre is involved with the Contra Dance scene in Franklin. Regular dances are held at the Macon County Library and Cowee School.
M’s Ice Cream from Franklin was also on-hand to keep dancers cool with some sweet treats for the audience.
M’s Ice Cream helped dancers stay cool throughout the event.
“We were happy to host the barn dance again this year and look forward to doing it again next summer,” said Love.
Taking a quick breather from the dancefloor on The Bascom’s deck.
The Bascom hosts the dance each year as a nod to the popular barn dances once held at Helen’s Barn in Highlands.
It’s not a Barn Dance without a popcorn machine.
Community Day at The Bascom
Another annual tradition at The Bascom is Community Day, which was held earlier this summer and is going on it’s 12th year.
Children get hands on with arts and crafts at The Bascom’s annual Community Day.
“Community Day is an annual celebration of The Bascom as a place of community gathering and a time when we can all engage with each other through creative practice,” said Love. “It really embodies who we are as an organization. A place that is open and accessible to all.”
Storytelling by Connie Regan-Blake at Community Day.
Love said the annual event would not be possible without the support from the community.
Artists Cole Johnson and Robert Burch from Jackson County Green Energy Park demonstrate glass blowing
“We are very grateful to our community partners and volunteers that showed up to share their time and talents with the community,” said Love.
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and Eckerd Living Center, set up their Teddy Bear Clinic and conducted on-site checkups for any teddy bears in need.
Western North Carolina Woodturners Reggie Johnson and John Tagliarini demonstrate their craft at Community Day.
Community partners include:
- The event sponsor, the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and Eckerd Living Center, set up their Teddy Bear Clinic and provided popcorn and sno-cones.
- There were glass blowing demonstrations by the Jackson County Green Energy Park with demonstrating artists Cole Johnson and Robert Burch.
- The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust with Hope Corbin made natural material necklaces with the kids.
- Zendoodling was provided by artist Margie Bauer.
- Woodturning Demonstrations were provided by the Western North Carolina Woodturners, and demonstrating turners Reggie Johnson and John Tagliarini
- Community Quilting was facilitated by artist and WCU professor, Richard Tichich.
- Printmaking with Bascom Director of Exhibitions, Zach Rogers
- Empty Bowls making with Bascom Director of Ceramics, Frank Vickery and his Open Studio volunteers.
- Storytelling by Connie Regan-Blake
- Community Mural with Billy Love