Big ‘Ol Barn Dance

Written By: Katie Tims | Issue: 2018/06 - June

A North Carolina summer evening with all the trimmings: a historic location, stunning views, savory barbecue, fun times, dancing and some of the best Appalachian mountain music this side of the Mississippi River.

It’s all this and more during the Mountain Youth Charities’ Second Annual Barn Dance and Barbecue, on Saturday, July 21, from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M. at Sawyer Family Farmstead in Glenville. Funds raised at the event go to Blue Ridge School Education Foundation for the benefit of Blue Ridge School and Early College, in addition to other local youth organizations. Last year, the Barn Dance raised $40,000.

Those funds, which were matched by an anonymous donor, funded numerous programs at Blue Ridge School and Early College.

“Our first barn dance was so much fun and we were so thankful to have such an amazing turnout of generous people,” said Marcia Shawler, president of Mountain Youth Charities. “For the dance this year, we’ve added more room, more entertainment and lots more dancing. We’re really excited about this year’s event.”

Overlooking Lake Glenville, Sawyer Family Farmstead is one of the most beautiful settings in Western North Carolina. The party takes place in a barn and features a barbecue dinner catered by Cashiers Farmers Market’s On-The-Side BBQ. Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), a group comprised of local children playing traditional mountain music, is scheduled to play. After dinner, The Crooked Pine Band plays live for those who like to dance. Guests are invited to participate in the square dancing (called by Joe Sam Queen) and line dancing led by professional dance instructor Danie Beck. Also, there is a silent auction of several excellent packages and products, in addition to a raffle.

Mountain Youth Charities is a local, volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Cashiers. Founded in 2013, the organization’s mission is to raise money “to build great programs for great kids.” Those proceeds fund grants to local youth organizations and schools, including Hampton Preschool, Summit Charter School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, JAM, and Blue Ridge School and Blue Ridge Early College.

“Mountain Youth Charities began in 2013, and the local community has been so, so supportive,” said Shawler. “We designed the Barn Dance so that everyone could come together and have a great evening of fun for a great cause. We believe our local children are the best cause! The barn dance is our main fundraiser for the year, with the money raised going straight to our community’s youth.”

For more information about the barn dance and Mountain Youth Charities, please visit mountainyouthcharities.org . Barn dance tickets are available at the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, online at the Mountain Youth Charities’ website, or by calling (828) 743-6282.