OCTOBER 2026 HSRDC PRESIDENTS LETTER
October 2026 HSRDC Presidents’ Letter
SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
CONGRATS TO TOMBALL PROMENADERS ON YOUR 41st ANNIVERSARY!
A big crowed came out for a fun evening of celebration at the Tomball Promenaders’ “Saturday in the Park” Anniversary Dance on September 19 and enjoyed dancing to Brad Caldwell calling and Tammy Lee, cuing. Dancing, food, and fun made the evening a special anniversary celebration! See photos at https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/09/20/tomball-promenaders-41st-anniversary-dance/
KEN AND DAWN HENGST JOIN MARTY NORTHRUP IN PODCAST
Check out this podcast hosted by Marty Northrup interviewing Dawn and Ken Hengst about the Houston Square and Round Dance community. “Houston, Do we have a Problem? Nope!” https://www.facebook.com/share/1Br8s4q5hE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
IT’S OCTOBER! IT’S HOEDOWN TIME!
DON’T MISS THE BEST DANCE PARTY IN HOUSTON!
Gather your friends, pack your international flair, bring your appetite and your sense of adventure, and get ready for a weekend of Dancing Around the World! We can’t wait to see you at the 78th Houston Hoedown, October 23–25!
The Houston Hoedown is only THREE WEEKS AWAY! We’re planning a fantastic weekend of dancing, food, fun, fellowship, and special activities, and we want YOU to be part of it! Guest caller Dan Preedy from Spokane, Washington, and round leaders Kay and Bob Kurczewski (The Ski’s) will be joined by many Houston Caller Association callers and cuers throughout the weekend.
There will truly be something for everyone—Mainstream, Plus, DBD, Fun Squares, Last Square Standing, Rounds, Lines, Clogging, Advanced dancing, shopping, puzzles, raffles, and plenty of opportunities to visit with friends. Friday evening features international flair, Saturday is filled with dancing and special events, and Sunday wraps up the weekend with breakfast and dancing. The excitement is building, so make your plans now and join the party!
10.23.26 Houston Hoedown Registration Form
Food, Fun & Fellowship
This Hoedown has much more than just dancing! On Friday, kick off the weekend with dancing from 2-4 p.m. Can’t make it for the afternoon dance? Join us for the International Welcome Reception from 4–6 p.m., followed by the evening square and round dance where everyone is encouraged to wear international-themed attire. Saturday features dancing starting at 10 a.m., a clogging demonstration at noon, Fun Squares, Last Square Standing, and a Puzzle Building Contest in the afternoon for those who enjoy a friendly challenge. On Saturday evening, wear your club colors or “dress to impress” for the annual award presentations and a Grand March celebrating 80 Years of Square Dancing in Houston. Enjoy ice cream Friday and Saturday evenings, plus an onsite concession stand on Saturday. Join the fun on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, singing, and a farewell dance.
Friday Welcome Reception
Start your Hoedown weekend with good food, great friends, and flavors from around the world! Hosted by the Tomball Promenaders, Bluebonnets, and Hey Lollies, the Friday Welcome Reception will be held in the Convention Center from 4–6 p.m. Relax after the afternoon dancing or gather with friends before the evening dance while enjoying a delicious buffet featuring Mexican, Italian, European, Mediterranean, and Asian-inspired foods. Come hungry, come ready to mingle, and let’s kick off our “Dance Around the World” weekend in style!
Registration Is Going Strong!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Houston’s favorite square dance weekends! With more than 150 dancers already registered, now is the perfect time to make your plans to attend. Whether you enjoy Mainstream, Plus, DBD, Advanced, Rounds, Lines, Clogging, or Fun Squares, you’ll find plenty of dancing and activities to enjoy throughout the weekend. Register by check or Zelle using the registration form on the HSRDC Special Events page at https://houstonsquaredance.com/flyers/ or register by credit card through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/78th-annual-hsrdc-houston-hoedown-dance-around-the-world-tickets-2000899386929
Check Out the Schedule:
Make a Weekend of It!
Why not turn the Hoedown into a fun weekend getaway? The Hoedown Host Hotel, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, offers a special “Houston Hoedown” rate of $105 per night plus tax, including complimentary breakfast. The hotel also has a large lobby that’s perfect for relaxing and visiting with fellow dancers after the evening festivities. Call 832-664-8870 and ask for the “Houston Hoedown” rate. The special-rate deadline is Friday, October 9.
Prefer to bring your home with you? Onsite camping is available at the Pasadena Convention Center & Fairgrounds with full hook-up 30- and 50-amp sites for just $25 per night. Contact Tina Kelly at 346-452-2696 to reserve your space and arrange payment. The RV registration form: 10.23.26 Houston Hoedown RV Registration form Pasadena Convention Center
Luck Be a Lady (or Gent) at This Year’s Hoedown!
Buy a ticket—or several—and try your luck for the Brown Bags and Raffle fun on both Friday and Saturday! The raffle will feature great prizes, including a $200 “Rake In the Cash” raffle package, a $50 Square Up Fashions gift certificate, $25 gift certificate for Tag ’Em, and a $100 Taste of Texas gift card. Brown Bag items feature an International & Travel theme for Friday and Seasonal, Parties & Fun Activities theme for Saturday. Don’t forget to bring your Early Bird registration coupon, which can be exchanged for five Brown Bag raffle tickets!
How Can You Help? – Volunteer Opportunities
Be a part of making Hoedown happen! Volunteers are needed for hospitality events, decorating, registration, the raffle ticket table, and other activities throughout the weekend. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm make a big difference. Check out the attached volunteer opportunities—we’d love to have you on the team! We’re also seeking gift cards and scratch-off lottery tickets for the raffle and items for the Brown Bags that are new or in excellent condition. Contact Sally Henderson at 832-541-3004 for info. Give your donation to her at a Bluebonnets dance or to any HSRDC Executive Board member through October 19.
Hoedown Tasks and Volunteer Opportunities
To sign up sell raffle and brown bag tickets, click on this SignUp Genius link. Just 30 minutes per slot! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0444AEAB2BA4F49-66446904-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawUx9p5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMWM5Qk5PMVk0ZVZrdUljY0JzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeL2UlK0V7optDrHR1JybeCjRlYEiKCtoZG2NkxwBKunWK0NZJ_BtaYQi_vR0_aem_VjYP6SkYCrWJBvpc2pdCbQ#/
Check out more info including nearby restaurants on the website: https://houstonsquaredance.com/flyers/
LESSONS
Tim Ploch’s First Tuesday Series is a great place to learn the new calls that have been added to the Plus list.
Fairbees are offering a 40-minute Plus lesson workshop on Thursdays at 7pm. The workshops include the 8 new Plus Calls and Rusty Hinges from previous week, Spring Branch Presbyterian Church, Houston
Tomball Promenaders Plus lessons on Mondays starting October 5, VFW Hall, Tomball, Dennis Ray, Caller
More information is available on the on the HSRDC calendar at https://houstonsquaredance.com/lessons/
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS AND OTHER DANCE OPPORTUNITIES
October 6, Round Dance Exhibition, 10:30 – 11:15 AM, Marilyn Waguespack, Cuer; St. Theresa Catholic Church Community Center, Bldg. E, 705 St. Theresa Blvd. Sugar Land
October 9, Katy Prairie Promenaders 56th Anniversary Rice Harvest Dance, Mike Bramlett, Caller, Marilyn Waguespack, Cuer; Concordia Lutheran Church, Houston
October 15-17, TEXPACC, Advanced and Challenge Dancing, Tim Ploch and other featured callers, Paris, TX
October 18, Dance Exhibition Family Day at Bayou Bend, “Gulf Coast, 1776”, David Bearden and Carol Teal, Callers, 1-5pm, 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston
October 23-25, 78th Annual HSRDC Houston Hoedown “Dance Around the World” with Dan Preedy, Caller, Kay and Bob Kurczewski (The Ski’s), Round Dance Leaders, Pasadena Convention Center https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/78th-annual-houston-hoedown-dance-around-the-world-october-23-25-2026/
October 27, Brazos Bottom Belles and Beaus Halloween Dance, Keith Klix, caller; Marilyn Waguespack, cuer; Debra Garner, Lines; Faith Sugar Land Church 800 Brooks Street Sugar Land
October 29, Tomball Promenaders Costume Dance, Dan Nordbye, Caller, VFW Hall, 14408 Alice Road, Tomball
October 29, Hey Lollies Halloween Dance, Bronc Wise, Caller, Chapelwood Methodist 11140 Greenbay St., Houston
October 31, Hanger Squares Halloween Dance, Gary Belchik, Caller, Friendswood Activity Center (FAC) 416 Morningside Drive, Friendswood
November 5-6, Houston Area Camping Squares Fall Festival, Steve Blankinship (Fri) and Pat Kotal (Sat), Callers; Terry Pimm(Fri) and Stash Tosio (Sat), Cuers; Coushatte Recreation Ranch, Bellville
November 10, Brazos Bottom Belles and Beaus 54th Anniversary Dinner and Dance “Hollywood Squares It’s Movie Night” Dan Clairmont, Caller, Marilyn & Jerrel Waguespack, Cuers, Concordia Lutheran Church, Houston
November 14-15, Tim Ploch’s 50th and Final Rockport Dance Weekend for A2 and C1 Dancers, Tim Ploch and Bruce Busch, Callers, Rockport, TX
November 15, HSRDC 4th Quarter Meeting/Installation of 2027 Officers and Dance, Mike Seastrom, Caller, Marilyn Waguespack, Cuer; Concordia Lutheran Church, Houston
See the HSRDC calendar for more information about upcoming dances, lessons, and exhibitions at https://houstonsquaredance.com/calendar/
If you know any dancers who are not receiving the HSRDC emails, please share this link for them to sign up Newsletters – Houston Square Dance or email info@houstonsquaredance.com.
Keep on dancin’! We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
Carol and Charles Thornburg