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2024 Summer Dances at Lubrecht Forest

Be sure to check this webpage and email before heading to the August 10 dance at Lubrecht since fire/heat/air quality may require a sudden change of plans as occurred with the July dance. 
Summer Dances

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Outdoor Summer Contra Dances!
The UM Folklore Society & MFS are partnering to offer outdoor summer contra dances at UM's Lubrecht Experimental Forest.  Dates listed below.  We have access to Lubrecht starting at 10 am on Saturday until 10 am on Sunday.  Bring your camp chairs, musical instruments, hiking shoes, mountain bikes, frisbees, picnic lunches, and potluck dishes for the pre-dance supper!  Explore the beautiful forest while hanging out with friends!  Bands and callers are listed below.

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Location
The Lubrecht Experimental Forest is located 30 miles east of Missoula on Hwy 200.  Coming from Missoula, the turn-in sign for Lubrecht will be on the right (east) side of the highway.  After turning in, stay to the right to drive the camp loop (yes, it's a circular loop) to the dance pavillion and the cabins.)  Click here for excellent directions.
Cost
$10 donation.  Costs for the venue and band/caller are about $500, so we ask that attendees donate to help with these costs.   Our rental includes a dance pavilion & access to bathhouse/restrooms. 
Schedule
Saturday
10am to 5pm – Enjoy forest trails on foot or bike, or hang out while picnicking with friends.  Bring your musical instrument, dance shoes, and a dish for the potluck dinner.  Help us set up for the dance and dinner.  There may be some workshops offered (dancing, calling, dance music.) 

5pm to 6:30 pm – Potluck in the Pavilion 

7pm to whenever -- Dance, dance, dance!  In the pavilion.  

Sunday
Morning (for those who stay overnight) – breakfast on your own.

We must be gone by 10 am.  After a good cleaning ... because we want to be invited back!
Accommodations
Want to stay overnight? 
1.  Tent & RV camping spaces are $10/person (pay at the dance). 

2.  Some Cabins & Boxcars have been reserved for us!  Gather some friends to fill a cabin or boxcar.
  • 3-person cabins cost $54
  • 6-person boxcars cost $65
    • Beds are twin beds & bunk beds.
    • Bedding is not included – bring your own sleeping bag & pillow. 
  • If interested in renting one of our reserved cabins, contact vicki.watson@umontana.edu no later than the Thursday before the dance.  Space fills up so don’t delay. And let Vicki know if you decide not to come, so space can go to another dancer
Bands & Callers
2024 Bands and Callers
June 22, 2024 (Sat)
Band = Frog Pond (Kalispell)
Callers = Mark Matthews & Others
Lubrecht Forest
 
July 20, 2024 (Sat)
Band = Swing Away
Callers = Christa Torrens & Others
Missoula Senior Center
Potluck 5pm; Dance 7pm
 
August 10, 2024 (Sat)
Band = Unstrung String Band (Flathead)
Callers = Round Robin (various)
Lubrecht Forest
Potluck 5pm; Dance 7pm
Last updated July 19, 2024
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