Jessica Peters
The Observer
Agassiz, dust off those old cowboy boots quick, because the Barn Dance is back.
After several years hiatus, the once popular dance is being revived — this weekend. And with headliners Jaydee Bixby and Stacey McKitrick, it's going to be a country rock blow out. Also coming to party are rockers Robert Rowan and Savage West.
Organizer Starrlene Picul says she's excited to see people filling up the barn, behind the Ag Hall, once again.
"We used to have the barn dance on during the Fall Fair," she says, but when they decided to open the beer gardens for the two nights of the fair, the barn dance was just too much to handle.
Picul is a board member of the Agassiz Agricultural and Horticultural Society, which runs the Fall Fair and lends out the ag buildings to several local community groups, including the Boy Scouts.
They also man the weekly bingo, which has seen a recent decline in turnout. And with lower numbers, comes less revenue for the association. And less revenue means less money for the fair.
Local bingo popularity seems to have gone down when Chilliwack added slot machines to their hall, she says. Where they used to see hundreds coming out to play, now they have between 30 and 60 each week.
"We want to keep that Fall Fair going," Picul says. And they're hoping the Barn Dance Revival will do just that. The business community has thrown their support behind the concert, too.
Several businesses have sponsored the event, including Agassiz Family Chiropractic, Agassiz Harrison Printers, Oasis Coffee & Bistro, the Agassiz Liquor Store and Prospera Credit Union.
Allegiance Security has even offered a few extra security guards for the adult-only event, and Tractorgrease Studios in Chilliwack is doing the sound.
One of the artists, Stacey McKitrick, has even offered to waive any fee.
"This is going to be good," Picul says. "It will be country rock, where it's usually just rock and roll. Canceling the barn dance was hard to do and we want to get it back into the community."
Getting your tickets is as easy as visiting one of the many sponsors. Buying them early will save you money, as they're $22.40 in advance, and $25 at the door.
The Barn Dance Revival is this Saturday, February 12, at the Agricultural Society's barn on at the Ag Grounds. Doors open at 8 p.m. No minors.
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