Orland Evangelical Free Church | Hoedown Origins

Having a birthday on Halloween can be a drag. Fifteen years ago this was the case for Pastor Krogh and Camille. So Tim and Suzanne said, "How about having a square dance?" And the Harvest Hoedown has grown ever since.

In the early years, the Hoedown took place on a cement slab by the milking barn with only two dance squares. But as word spread through the schools, from Champion to Hamilton, NVCH and now the colleges, it outgrew the milking barn and moved to its present location.

Tim puts a lot of work into this event, setting up and making sure everything runs smoothly. One year he put a tarp over the hay wagon when it started to rain so the hay rides could continue. Last year the square dance caller had to cancel an hour before the event, so there was a mad scramble to get another - they did, and no one was the wiser.

Others have helped through the years. Pete loans the hay wagon. Every year Leo sets up the sound system, and Jeanine brings the chopped onions.

This is a huge undertaking and a lot of fun for everyone who comes. If you can help with something this year, give Tim and Suzanne a call at 865-4504, and see you at the dance!