Square dancers donned their skirts with petticoats and cowboy attire to attend the inaugural Russell County Ramblers Square Dance Club dance last Friday night.

"You never would have caught me doing this 8 years ago," said Jim Beckner, President Russell County Ramblers. "Now you can't keep me away."

The Ramblers' first dance brought Square Dance enthusiasts from Corbin, Danville, Harrodsburg, Nicholasville, Somerset and Texas. In all there were seven different clubs represented.

Beckner said his cousin Troy Wilson, owner of Wilson's Closet Organizers, loaned the use of his building for the first dance.

Ramblers plan to hold a dance the 3rd Friday of each month at the Russell County Sportsman's Club, 2225 E. Hwy 619, Russell Springs. The next Ramblers' dance will be held October 23rd.

Russell County Ramblers consist of 13 members and they welcome folks to join them in learning Western Square Dance.

"Once you learn the calls you can dance anywhere in the world," said Mary McGowan, club treasurer. "They always call in English."

Square dancers are directed through a sequence of dance steps by a square dance caller to the beat of music.

The dance club is currently holding class with about 7 students mostly from Russell and Adair County. One student travels from Taylor County to take the class.

Classes are held each Thursday from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Russell County Senior Citizens Center.

 "Anybody can Square Dance if you know your right from your left," said Ramblers'Vice President Mike Wilson. "The main thing is it's fun!"

Wilson said folks don't have to have dance experience or a partner to learn. Sometimes women learn the man's part so when there are not enough men partners, the ladies can dance anyway.

Most dancers wear name tags that give a brief overview of the dancer and dances they have attended.

One dancer at the Ramblers' dance, had an electronic scrolling name tag that drew some attention. John Jupin from Abilene, TX square dances all the time at home and wanted to find a place to dance while visiting his daughter in Danville.

He searched the internet to find local square dance clubs and went to a dance in Harrodsburg where he met Beckner and was invited to the Rambers' first dance.

Jupin and daughter, Sandra Jupin-Williams came out last Friday to enjoy a night of dancing and meeting new friends.

"We are having a ball!" said Jupin. "You Kentucky people are great!" Ramblers agree that Square Dancing is fun, family entertainment.

"You can't help but smile in this place," said Lee Marcum, Secretary Russell County Ramblers. "I have a permanent grin!"

For more information about the Russell County Ramblers Square Dance Club look for their fan page on Facebook or call 343-6634, 866-8726 or 566-8019.