Celebrating a Century of Square Dancing

HALCOTT CENTER — Legendary Catskill Mountains square dance fiddler/caller, Hilton Kelly, would have turned 100 this year.  At the urging of family, friends and musicians, the Tremperskill Boys will mark this occasion with an evening of square dancing.  This will take place at the Grange Hall in Halcott Center on October 25th from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.  It will feature the music and square dance calls of Hilton Kelly, as handed down to him by his father and as performed by his band, The Sidekicks.

Hilton and Stella didn't just play square dances for adults.  They taught the art form to youngsters in area schools, so this event is designed to be fun for families and community members, alike.  The Halcott Grange Hall was a favorite close-to-home venue for the couple.  It always gave them satisfaction to delight children of all ages with their rendition of The Marvelous Little Toy at Christmastime.  The hall is located on Greene County Route 3, about four miles from the Fire Department in Fleischmanns.

The Tremperskill Boys continue Hilton's square dance tradition.  Performers on October 25th will be John Jacobson, Dane & Patti Scudder, and special guests Earl Pardini, Jim Rauter and other friends.  All dances will be taught.  Those in attendance can enjoy live music, displays, refreshments and a special surprise.  There is a minimum suggested donation of $10.

The musicians will also use this event as a benefit for the Halcott United Methodist Church.  The nearly 200 year old church faces expensive structural repairs to the foundation and ramp entrance.  The Church and the Grange Hall are the only public historic spaces left in Halcott.