A celebration of music, tradition, and good food is coming to the Lakeville Fire Department Training Grounds on Saturday, August 2, as the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts hosts its “Keep the Arts Alive” Square Dance and Barbecue.
The family-friendly event kicks off with a chicken barbecue from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., catered by the popular Paul’s BBQ. Dinner costs $15 and can be purchased in advance or at the door.
The square dance begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. in the air-conditioned hall. Kelly’s Old Timers, Western New York’s longest-running square dance band, will provide the music and dance calling. This year marks the group’s 75th anniversary of performing old-time music and traditional dances.
Tickets for the dance cost $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13 to 18, and are free for children 12 and under. Beverages will be available for purchase from the Lakeville Exempt Club.
“If you’ve never been to a square dance, don’t worry,” organizers say. “No prior experience or special clothing is needed—just come ready to have fun.”
Kelly’s Old Timers was founded in 1950 by Woody and Roger Kelly of Perry Center. Today, the band is led by their sons Doug and Eric Kelly, with Eric’s daughter Elise Kelly representing the family’s third generation in the group. Elise received a 2023 Folk Arts Apprenticeship grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to study square dance calling.
In addition to their music, the band helps teach the basics of square dancing during performances. Elise’s recent work in classrooms has introduced younger generations to the joys of live music and traditional dance, especially through collaborations with local schools and arts education programs.
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