OTISFIELD — Traditional gatherings sidelined by the pandemic continue their comeback, with Otisfield resuming monthly contra dances this Sunday.
Otisfield’s contra dances have become a staple for bringing the community together for physical fun and live music. The next dance will be held this Sunday at the Community Hall at 292 Route 121, from 3 to 6 p.m. Supplied photo
OTISFIELD —The dance will be held at the Community Center and will start at 3 p.m. The band Birds in a Wire is set to perform. There is no admission, although donations at the door are welcome.
Details about this and previous gatherings can be found on Otisfield Contra Dance’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Otisfield-Contra-Dance-1933069520038977/?ref=page_internal).
According to event organizer Pat Griffin, it is a soft relaunch to test whether the group continues the dances into the new year.
“We will see who wants to participate,” she said. “Several people are hesitant to get together, but others are ready. We invite people to join us this Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. We will dance again on December 18, same time and place.”
After the two dances, the Contra Dance Board will meet to gauge response before scheduling more in 2023. Griffin and her husband Bill founded the group back in 2018 and the folk dance quickly took root as a way for the community to socialize and enjoy neighbors’ company (and moves). Griffin is no longer physically able to dance but she will serve as the afternoon’s host.
Live music is as big a draw as dancing at community contra dances in Otisfield. Supplied photo
Katherine Larson will be the caller on Sunday. Fifth and sixth grade students from Otisfield Community School are holding a food sale fundraiser.
“Birds in a Wire welcomes musicians to come join them for a session,” Griffin said. “We will also have t-shirts for sale.
“All are welcome to this community event. Families, singles and couples. There is quite a bit of interest in restarting. We hope we can continue in the future, with new folks stepping up to join our board,” no pun intended.
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