Sergeant Alvin C. York State Historic Park hosting a free barn square dance Saturday to celebrate the cultural traditions of the Upper Cumberland.
Park Manager Nate Dodson said the event marks the first of several summer dances planned for the site. Dodson said the park has hosted these monthly gatherings for several years to provide a community space for residents and visitors during the warm summer months.
“It is the culture of this area going back to, you know, essentially the 1800s,” Dodson said. “Certainly during the early 1900s when Sergeant York is growing up, that was a big part of the community, a way for people to gather and have fun.”
Dodson said the Stones River Reelers will provide live music for the event, marking the first time the old-time band has performed at the historic site. The group features a variety of traditional instruments including the fiddle, banjo, and harmonica.
“You just don’t really hear very much anymore, especially in our modern day-to-day world,” Dodson said. “You know, we’re listening to the radio and the pop hits, but these the sounds of this band were the pop hits of the 30s and the 40s, you know, those early days.”
Dodson said the event is designed for all ages and experience levels, with a professional caller on hand to assist those who have never square danced. Caller Tony Branham will lead participants through the movements in slow motion before the music begins.
“Of course, he’s calling out the moves as the dancers are going, so there’s no experience necessary,” Dodson said, “And, you know, if you do mess up, that’s okay. We’re here to have some fun.”
Dodson said the park aims to preserve the way of life Tennesseans enjoyed for generations by acting as a gathering place for the community. In addition to the music and dancing, the park will hold prize giveaways featuring produce grown in the garden behind the historic York home.
“I’ve had the opportunity to sit in the square dance band on the stage at these dances in the past, and you look out at the folks dancing and there’s just pure joy on their faces,” Dodson said. “You know, everyone’s smiling and laughing. It’s just a lot of fun to be able to do this in real time. You know, we might be doing something that they did back in the 1930s or 40s, but it’s still fun today.”
The event begins at 6:30pm. Dodson said there is no cost to attend and no pre-registration or specific dress code is required for participants.
Dodson said the park will host a second square dance on July 18 for those unable to attend the June event.