Kathy Fox started the Fredonia First Friday Contra Dances in 1995, as a way for locals to regularly enjoy the traditional Celtic dance she grew up with in New England. Her hope was to create something that was fun, family-friendly, easily accessible, affordable, and welcomed all regardless of experience. Kathy hosted her last First Friday Contra Dance in June, as she steps down as the organizer, sound technician, and caller of the dance series.

With the support of local friends who had experience calling dances, and by practicing to recorded music for many hours at home, Kathy developed her skill as a caller. Inviting guest callers to the First Friday dances and providing opportunities for others to develop their own skills has enriched the Western New York contra dance community. As well as calling First Friday dances, Kathy is regularly invited as a guest caller at dances in Olean, Rochester, and Buffalo. Additionally, calling dances at private events such as parties and weddings, Kathy has introduced many to the joys of contra dancing. She has the ability to get even the reluctant to try at least one dance.

Over the years, Kathy has worked with bands from Western New York as well as those hailing from more distant locations, in order to provide the live Irish, Scottish, French-Canadian, and Southern string music that make the dances so dynamic and fun. Learning to use a soundboard and buying audio equipment helped to enhance the musical experience of the First Friday dances, and provided a showcase for talented musicians. In this tight-knit community, Kathy has not only sought out and scheduled bands to play, but she has often hosted them in her home. Having dances scheduled throughout the snowy winter months means that having a local place to stay can make all the difference for talented musicians who mainly play because of their love of music.

The Fredonia First Friday Contra Dances have been held at the Fredonia Grange #1 since the beginning. Fredonia’s Grange Hall, the first in the United States, was established in 1868. The Grange was conceived as a fraternal organization of farmers who sought to improve the economic and social position of the farm population, and eventually became the heart of many rural farming towns. The Fredonia Grange continues to sponsor events such as the First Friday Contra Dances, in order to support the local community. Kathy Fox has been a member of the Fredonia Grange for almost as many years as she has been organizing dances. Being a part of the Grange, and continuing to have dances on-site, Kathy has sought to integrate the traditional into the modern. Dances have attracted newcomers who walk past the sign on Main Street, hear the music and laughter, and decide to try it out.

Joe Kwiatkowski, who has been calling dances and involved with the dance series for over a decade, will continue to organize contra dances in Fredonia. Kathy Fox will be available locally as a guest caller, but she will no longer be organizing the Fredonia First Friday Contra Dances that she founded 22 years ago. But don’t worry, you’re sure to still see Kathy Fox involved in the vibrant contra dance community in one form or another.