Murfreesboro, TN – The passing of the torch is a part of life’s wheel. You see it happening in business, all levels of politics, athletics, and yes—Appalachian style square dancing too.
Last month, WGNS ran a story about the Cripple Creek Cloggers performing at a folkloric festival in the Czech Republic. If you read between the lines, you saw another story: this was the first-time that the group’s 83-year-old founder, mentor, and leader was NOT in attendance.
Steve Cates quietly commented, “…This is the first major trip without me and it was managed beautifully! What a feeling of freedom and pride I have!”
Loving and true leaders want to make certain that there is historical documentation of the past that will help organizations continue to move forward.
The SPECIAL COLLECTIONS SECTION at Middle Tennessee State University’s James E. Walker Library is preserving memorabilia covering the 57-year history of the Kittrell 4-H Dancers, Rutherford County Square Dancers and Cripple Creek Cloggers. They have served as goodwill ambassadors locally as well as around the world.
In fact, one public relation oriented clogger stepped-up and documented some of the group’s history. Cates said, “I am so proud of what Matt Davis has put together to provide updated information to send to prospective festivals in other countries. These are pictures from our Czech Republic tour this year and also from our 2024 International Folkfest.”
Thank you, Steve Cates for putting your heart into preserving the music and dance from our forefather’s earlier generations.
This year’s International Folkfest wrapped-up June 8, 2024 at Simply Smyrna next to the historic Train Depot. CLICK HERE and be a part of that closing act.
The square dance caller sets the mood of the entire event. By the way, that square dance caller continues to be Steve Cates.
Next Year’s International Folkfest
Cates told WGNS that contacts are already being made for selecting festivals in Europe where Cripple Creek Cloggers will be representing the U.S. in 2025.
Our first planning meeting for our June 8-15, 2025 International Folkfest, www.mboro-international-folkfest.org, will be on August 28. We are always glad to have new volunteers join us. We must provide food, lodging and travel in Tennessee for the three visiting troupes from the time they arrive at the Nashville BNA until they depart.
This will be approximately 80 persons, both musicians and dancers. We are always needing meal providers, venues for performing, and guides for the troupes. The guides are with the groups while they are here, making sure they are where they need to be and on time, etc. They also help them before they arrive to plan their use of their free time while here. We like to have at least two local guides per visiting troupe.
Cates underlined, “A special need is a host for our Welcome Party, for Mon. night, June 9. This event requires a space for an informal sharing of music and dance and a meal for approximately 100 persons. We are a 501c3 nonprofit.”
Learn How to Clog
Cates said, “Yes, Cripple Creek Cloggers will be teaching and practicing at 4 p.m. at the Smyrna Senior Activity Center, 100 Raikes St., Smyrna 37167. Sun., Aug. 11, will begin our 58th year. We will also be there on August 18, 25 and Sept. 8. Other dates will be set as we move along. Any interested persons are welcome. No dance experience is necessary. There is no charge.”
Other dates will be listed on the Cripple Creek Cloggers’ Facebook page, "cripple creek cloggers/mboro", and on our website, www.cripplecreekcloggers.org.
Cripple Creek Cloggers are also a part of Uncle Dave’s Roots Rendezvous.
Cates commented, “We will be performing at Roots Rendezvous Uncle Dave Macon Days at Hop Springs, at 3 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 7. We will be working with The Slim Chance Band, organized by Rob Pearcy, of Smyrna.”
Again, THANK YOU Steve Cates!
