The Muddy Frogs Square Dance Club is offering an introduction to Modern Western Square Dance on Sunday, Feb. 18, in Milton-Freewater.

MILTON-FREEWATER — The Muddy Frogs Square Dance Club is inviting the public to a free lesson and introduction to Modern Western Square Dance.

The event will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 2-4 p.m. in the Milton-Freewater Community Building, 109 NE Fifth Ave.

Calling and instructing will be by Thell Rooney. By the end of the class, attendees will be able to get on the dance floor and actually do some simple square dance moves.

“Dancing is a great way to get exercise, learn something new and meet new friends,” said Kim Munk, a longtime club member. “Come give it a try.”

No experience is needed and dress is casual.

In the summer of 1982, the Walla Walla club was asked to do a square dancing demonstration at the Muddy Frogwater Festival, the annual Milton-Freewater festival at that time. Don and Pat Wiggins did the calling and cueing.

After the festival, Chamber Manager Karen White and KEXI radio station owner Dennis Widmer asked the members if they would start a club in Milton-Freewater.

The new club was formed with 40 local members and called the Muddy Frogs Square Dance Club. Mayor Lewis Key and his wife, Patty, were in the first class. The group started dancing in the Odd Fellows Hall on North Main Street, then moved to the Methodist Church on South Main, and finally to the Community Building.

Wanting to promote their town, the club danced at the community festival every year and advertised Milton-Freewater all over the United States and Europe.

Members point out that square dancing is the Oregon State Dance.

The club hopes to see a lot of people at their free lesson.

“Bring along a friend or come by yourself and meet one,” they said.

For further information, contact Munk at luckymunk50@yahoo.com or 509-240-0576, or Merri Anne Huber at merrianneh@charter.net