Schedule: Every other Friday from late June-early August

An unsuspecting traveler coming into the town of Waynesville on a late summer afternoon might be puzzled to discover that the street in front of the county courthouse is closed. Instead of the usual clutter of automobiles and pickup trucks‚ the traveler finds the street filled with people and the air filled with the sounds of a lively fiddle band. A little before 6pm‚ volunteers block the street in front of the Courthouse with saw-horses and sprinkle the asphalt surface with a thick dusting of dry corn meal. Once that is done‚ the fun begins. The courthouse lawn‚ the sidewalks‚ the courthouse steps are soon crowded with hundreds of spectators -- people who have come from far and near to listen to music‚ to watch‚ to greet each other‚ and to dance. All who attend are encouraged to join in and many answer the call. Tall folks‚ short folks‚ fat and skinny folks‚ young and old folks -- they all get out there on the street and dance. It is a sight to behold! Clogging teams perform and Joe Sam Queen‚ who comes from a long line of legendary Appalachian dancers‚ calls square dances. Sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

Directions: From Interstate 40‚ take the Waynesville/Clyde exit‚ exit 27. Take Highway 19-23 south and continue approximately 5 miles until the road forks. Keep left at the fork in the road‚ taking Highway 23-74 to Waynesville. Take the next exit‚ exit 102‚ and turn right onto Route 276 (Russ Avenue). Follow Highway 276 to Main Street. The street dances are held on Main Street in front of the county courthouse.

For additional regional information contact
Haywood County Travel and Tourism‚ 828-452-0152