Hootin an Hollarin square dancing with live music set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights


This Hootin an Hollarin square dance photo, taken sometime between 1980 and 1983, shows, from left, Allen and Glenda Douglas, Joe and Nikki McFarland (backs to camera), Pat Crawford and Jerry Crawford, and Barbara and Don Luna.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a way to embrace the heart of the Hootin an Hollarin spirit more than getting out on one of the old wooden platforms under the starry September sky and dancing the night away. 

Every night from 9 p.m. to midnight, Hootin an Hollarin turns its focus to one of its most fun and festive features – square dancing.

Want to join the fun? Here’s how Hootin an Hollarin square-dance regulars recommend you get your start: Usually there’s a big group of youngish square dancers on the south platform, the one farthest from the stage. It’s generally accepted that everyone is welcome on that dance floor, and those young whippersnappers are good at teaching novices of all ages the basics of how to step, twirl and allemande through the caller’s commands.

When you’re ready to join the more experienced dancers on one of the platforms closer to the stage, wait til they’re taking a break between songs and then ask one of the dancers if you might join their square for a song or two. You’ll soon be do-si-doing with the best of ’em (literally!), and having a great time doing it. It’s what Hootin an Hollarin is all about.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423