Do-si-do and help preserve old growth.

Byline: Serena Markstrom The Register-Guard

COTTAGE GROVE - Grab your hoop skirt and cowboy boots, because a local nonprofit group that defends old growth forests is throwing a modern day hoedown for the sixth straight year.

Hosted each year at Avalon Stables, the event has grown in popularity. Last year, about 300 people ventured to the stables, six miles west of town.

The Cascadia Wildlands Project uses the annual event as a fundraiser and community building exercise, Cascadia official Josh Laughlin said.

"It's an event that people really look forward to every year," Laughlin said. "It brings out the best in people. If you are not having a good time square dancing then something's wrong."

Avalon Stables owner Janine Nilsen, a former Cascadia board member, has 30 acres where she boards horses. The dance takes place in a covered area that is open on the sides.

A warm-up band will go on at 6 p.m., at which time a big spread of soul food - including chili and corn bread - will be set out for ticketholders. At 7:30 p.m., Eugene-based old-time band the Conjugal Visitors will take the stage with Portland contra dance caller Rich Goss.

Participants can listen and follow instructions for the group dance. Or they can take a break and meander the grounds, which include horse trails, a barn and stabled horses.

The dance area is covered with sawdust, but those who have been to the event recommend wearing footwear that covers the ankles to protect the skin from dust and dirt.

"The caller and the band play to all skill levels," Laughlin said. "If it's your first time square dancing, you will be a great square dancer by the end of the event."

Zachary Herigodt is the banjo player for the Conjugal Visitors, who also played the event last year. Herigodt said that for the hoedown, his band eschews vocals and plays longer versions of fiddle tunes.

That gives the caller, Goss, a chance to give instructions, do a few practice runs slow, then start the music and stop until most everyone has it down. Once you know a given dance, it's nice to have a solid seven or eight minutes to use your new skills until it's on to the next song.

"It's really approachable," Herigodt said. "It takes a few minutes before people know what they are doing. People will surprise themselves how well they do."

The Visitors are a seven-piece band featuring - in addition to banjo - washboard, fiddle, standup bass, guitar, mandolin and harmonica.

The dance "kind of shows you how much fun you can have in that old-time way, because people have been doing this for thousands of years," Herigodt said.

He said his band likely will play "Over the Waterfall, "Cripple Creek" and "Arkansas Traveller." "They might not recognize the names, but they will recognize the feel of the song, if not the actual melody," he said.

Cascadia conservation director Laughlin said that at the first hoedown, the caller used recorded music and people still had a really fun time.

"We realized there was so much interest and desire for this kind of event," he said. "People are kicking up the sawdust and having a hooting and hollering good time."

This is the first year the event has publicized a costume contest, although in the past judges chose winners by milling around and observing the outfits, then announcing the best.

Tight Wranglers, big hoop skirts, cowboy boots and hats, big metal buckles, flannel shirts and overalls all are fair game.

"It's the modern day hoedown," Laughlin said.. `It's a cutting edge hoedown.'

EVENT PREVIEW

Hoedown

for Ancient Forests

What: Square dancing with music by the Conjugal Visitors, plus fire dancers, soul food, prizes for best costumes

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Avalon Stables, 80143 Hazelton Road, Cottage Grove

Directions from Eugene: Take Interstate 5 south to exit 174; turn right (west) at the light at the end of the ramp; continue toward downtown for about 0.5 miles; turn right (west) onto Main Street; after passing through downtown, Main Street becomes Cottage Grove/Lorane Road; just before mile marker 5, turn right onto Hazelton Road; Avalon Stables is about 0.5 miles up the road on the right

Tickets: $15 advance or $20 at the door; children younger than 12 get in free

Information: 434-1463 or www.cascwild.org