Tennessee's Cripple Creek Cloggers begin the New Year with their initial rehearsal/practice sessionat 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 in the Smyrna Senior Citizens Center, 100 Raikes St. in Smyrna.

Headquartered in Rutherford County, the troupe will celebrate their 52nd year in June of teaching, performing and demonstrating traditional Appalachian style square dancing with a clogging step. All interested adults are invited to attend and there is no charge for participation.

Director Steve Cates began the troupe as a 4-H activity when a teacher at Kittrell School in 1967. Since then thousands of young people and adults have participated.

Cripple Creek Cloggers have traveled and performed in all 48 continental United States, as well as in Canada, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, all the countries of Europe, and Morocco.

In 1982, the troupe began serving as host to International Folkfest, a festival featuring traditional dances and music from around the world.

Plans for 2019 include welcoming troupes from three foreign countries to perform with them in the Middle Tennessee area during June 9-16 at the annual International Folkfest. At present, troupes from Czech Republic and Mexico have been confirmed.

Cripple Creek Cloggers have received invitations to represent the U.S. in 2019 in international folkloric festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovena, Sardinia in Italy, Portugal, and Netherlands, among others. They are privileged to work with excellent bluegrass musicians in Tennessee, Czech Republic, and Croatia during their travels.

If anyone has a question or needs more information about the troupe and/or its activities, please contact Steve Cates at appdancer@aol.com or by calling 615 896 3559.

The following websites may also be consulted at www.cripplecreekcloggers.org or www.mboro-international-folkfest.org.