In the early 1800s in the United States, folks settling the American frontier would gather in barns to celebrate special occasions and holidays. The gatherings soon included live music and dancing, and the traditional barn dance was born.
Nine years ago, the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs held its first community barn dance. The evening was the inspiration of a dedicated Rotarian, Betty Switzer, now living in Arkansas. Switzer wanted to offer a fun and uniting evening for our neighbors. She loved the western heritage of our community and wanted to replicate the bygone days of large barn dances. Money raised from ticket sales would support the many charitable activities of the club.
Since then, the Jewels and Jeans Barn Dance has become a much-anticipated annual event. Folks love the opportunity to dress in their finest western wear, from cowboy hats and blue jeans to bandannas and boots. (But, don’t let costumes keep you away. Just come in jeans and a flannel shirt or a sweater.) For those who dress up, you may be chosen as the evening’s sexiest cowgirl and sexiest cowboy.
This year the Jackson Mountain Ramblers will get the crowd dancing with their soaring vocals and rich harmonies, acoustic guitar, bass, saxophone, accordion and plenty of percussion.
The evening has grown over the last nine years, and now it fills the Archuleta County CSU Extension Building at the fairgrounds. Rotary members work for weeks making decorations to deck the hall with a western theme. There will also be free wagon rides. Last year, the club added a chuckwagon dinner. Of course, there is a cash bar to wet your whistle, featuring a signature bourbon caramel apple cocktail; red and white wine; an assortment of beers; and bourbon, vodka and rum.
A silent auction gives attendees a chance to bid on dozens of opportunities donated by community businesses, from self-care and household enhancements to outstanding restaurant meals and auto care. This year the club has added an online auction offering several outstanding high-end experiences locally and around the state. You can bid online at https://tinyurl.com/2xymm26t.
The money raised from the barn dance supports the many ways the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs gives back to our community. Last year, the club awarded $24,000 to outstanding college-bound high school seniors. The club provides mini grants to our teachers, enabling them to enhance their classroom activities without spending their own money. The club distributes dictionaries to every third-grader; and it offers awards to send youth leaders to leadership camps.
The Jewels and Jeans Barn Dance is Saturday, Oct. 12 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Archuleta County CSU Extension building at the fairgrounds. The doors will open at 6:30. Tickets are $30 in advance, available at the Chamber, Exit Realty and from local Rotarians. They will be $35 at the door. It is better get them in advance, as the evening always sells out. The chuckwagon dinner is $15.
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs is a vibrant organization committed to making a positive impact locally and globally. By raising funds and organizing volunteer efforts, the club supports impactful projects within the community and extends a helping hand to impoverished regions around the world. This dual mission reflects Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian values and the belief in making a difference on a broader scale.
Learn more at PagosaSpringsRotary.org.
