Five Acre School’s 8th Annual Beat the Blues Barn Dance
When: 2 p.m.-late, Saturday, Feb. 27
Where: Big Red Barn, 702 Kitchen-Dick Road. Parking and free shuttle at King’s Way Foursquare Church, 1023 Kitchen-Dick Road.
Tickets: Sold at door: $5, 2-5 p.m., $20, 5-11 p.m., or $20 for all day; 13 and younger, free
Entertainment schedule:
• 2-2:30 p.m., doors and children zones open
• 2:30-3:15 p.m., Alex Zerbe the Zaniac
• 3:15-3:45 p.m., Free play
• 3:45-4:30 p.m., drum circle
• 4:40-5 p.m., free play
• 5-5:45 p.m., Soundwaves perform
• 6 p.m.-late, Joy in Mudville
• Other activities: raffle, silent auction, bake sale, green screen and photo booths, outdoor and indoor children free-play zones, local food vendors and local beer, wine.
More info: Call the school at 681-7255 or see www.fiveacreschool.org.
Welcoming the shift in seasons as winter releases its frosty grasp and the spring sun begins to shine, Five Acre School is preparing for its annual Beat the Blues Barn Dance.
For eight years the school’s staff, parents, students and proponents have collaborated with community sponsors and businesses to host a full day and evening of entertainment and fun for all ages.
Through the power of music, dance, comedy, food and festive spirits the Big Red Barn along Kitchen-Dick Road will come to life during the event held in support of Five Acre School on Saturday, Feb. 27.
For 20 years the school has aimed to offer an alternative educational experience for students preschool through sixth grade and in doing so fosters “a caring and flexible program that uses an individualized, active learning approach to successfully educate its students,” Anna Yates, Five Acre School community outreach coordinator and barn dance committee member, said.
As Five Acre School’s primary fundraiser, the Beat the Blues Barn Dance helps to sustain the local educational choice.
Joy in Mudville, a native bluegrass, folk, funk, rock, country and blues inspired band has played for several of Five Acre School’s barn dances and “always bring their absolute best,” Yates said. Though Joy in Mudville is sure to spur dancing, Yates admits her favorite part of the event has become the community drum circle.
“We just start playing and kids and adults alike join in at will,” she said. “There’s a terrific sonic coming together, and for me it exemplifies community, showcases the natural creative ability of the kids and provides a very interactive experience.”
A new activity at this year’s event is a green screen booth where attendees can create their own mini-movie, Yates said.
There’s no shortage of creativity and music at Beat the Blues Barn Dance, nor is there a shortage of local food, beer and wine. Vendors include Next Door Gastropub, Pacific Pantry and Turnip the Beet. Beverages will be provided by Olympic Cellars and Fathom & League Hop Yard Brewery.
The major fundraising efforts of the event are the coinciding raffle, silent auction and bake sale, Yates said.
Examples of raffle items include overnight stays at Lake Quinault and Sol Duc, a fly-fishing trip, localvore package, Taste of the Peninsula, Victoria getaway and tandem bicycle.
For more information about the school or upcoming Beat the Blues Barn Dance, call 681-7255.
