The History Of Fiddle A-Rounds!

In the fall of 1963 a group of people had the desire to get together and have some mutual fun square dancing. Led by Jerry and Jackie Gaylor along with the help of Monty and Peggy Montgomery, they established the foundation for the Fiddle-A-Rounds Western Square Dance Club.

Dolores Swartzfager was their first caller with classes being held at the Owens-Illinois Club House in Clarion. Later classes were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarion and then at the Ross Memorial Auditorium where the club danced regularly until 1983. From 1983 to 1996 the Fiddle-A-Rounds met weekly at the Clarion Area High School and from 1996 to present the club's scheduled location has been the Clarion Area Elementary School. Originally the club danced on Friday nights, but has danced on Thursday nights since 1972.

The Fiddle-A-Rounds ofiicially organized in the spring of 1964 with Jerry and Jackie Gaylor as the first presidents. Ernie Aharrah designed the club's badge and Helen Kime designed the organization's banner. During the forty plus years of the group's existance, its members have represented all parts of Clarion county as well as adjoining counties. At the peak, membership numbered over fifty couples of all ages. In 1966 the club was one of the thirteen charter members of the Allegany Valley Square and Round Dance Federation in northwestern Pennsylvania.

During the Autumn Leaf Festivals in Clarion, the club has sponsored special dances featuring nationally known callers. It has also participated with floats in ALF parades for which trophies were won on several occasions. For eight years the Fiddle-A-Rounds sponsored an annual dance to benefit Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. These dances which were held at Kalyumet Campground raised thousands of dollars and collected hundreds of toys for needy children.

Over the years the club has been entertained by outstanding callers from all parts of the United States. In 1970 Jim Kassel was appointed as club caller. Jim and his wife, Mary, provided the club with leadership and growth until 1980 when Jim experienced serious health problems. At that time, Frank Worst assumed the duties of teaching and calling until his retirement five years later. In 1985 Tom Mohney accepted the responsibilities of club caller and continues to hold that position today. Even though Tom was not originally a member of the club, he often danced with the group when he was a teenager. Tom and Dorothy Foreman, who are current members of the Fiddle-A-Rounds, enjoy the longest association with the club.

So many memories have been made during the club's history that it would impossible to tell them all. Three outstanding milestones include recognition of Jim Kassel's fifty years of calling in 1987, the club's 25th anniversary celebration in 1989 and, more recently the club's 40th anniversary dance in 2004.

Since its organization, the Fiddle-A-Rounds has always dones its best to keep square dancing an enjoyable, friendly and inspiring activity. It is the club's sincere desire that square dancing may grow in the coming years and be available to all those who seek an opportunity for friendship, fun and exercise.

Come and JOIN the FIDDLE-A-ROUNDS today!