BIDDEFORD — More than 1,000 people showed up to the 52nd annual New England Square and Round Dance convention this weekend, donning bolo ties and fancy dresses to take a spin or three with their partners.
In the past, up to 8,000 people would attend the event.
The event is more of a reunion of aficionados these days, according to organizers, with the dwindling number of New England square dancers using the occasion to meet up with old friends and mourn those who have passed on during the previous 12 months.
This year’s event started with the Trail-in Dance Thursday night and had nearly 14 hours of scheduled dancing Friday and Saturday. Plans were for post-midnight after-party dances during the early morning Sunday, followed by the Trail-out Dance at 9 a.m. Sunday.
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