The need for an association was recognized by several Northwest Florida dancers in June 1974 while attending the National Convention in San Antonio, Texas.  The Florida "Showcase of Ideas" display depicted the total absence of square dancing in NW Florida, which, of course, was simply not true.  The problem was that we were organized by club and /or local councils and were autonomous without a central organization to represent us at State and National levels.

After some preliminary investigation including compilation of the first directory of NW Florida clubs, a meeting was held on October 12, 1974, in Ft. Walton Beach at the home of Joe and Doris Vaccari to discuss the feasibility of forming an association.  In attendance were representatives from Pensacola, Panama City, Crestview and Ft. Walton Beach.  It was apparent to the group that many benefits could accrue from an association.  The group decided to call an organizational meeting for late November and invite representatives from all clubs and councils in NW Florida.  A committee was formed consisting of Chester and Bettye Price, Marvin and Olena Taylor, George and Mary Bowie and Joe and Doris Vaccari to draft a constitution and by-laws.

The organizational meeting was held on November 24, 1974 at Bayside Recreational Center, Panama City, Florida -- hosted by George and Mary Bowie.  Thirty-five people attended representing all known clubs and councils except one.  The constitution/by-laws were adopted and officers elected. 

The organizational meeting set the stage for the association to start work to serve the clubs and to further the growth of the activity.

The work of the association began in earnest in 1975.  The first regular meeting was held on January 25, 195, in conjunction with the 17th annual Panama City Festival.
Representatives from 17 Clubs attended.
Major accomplishments were:

The second meeting was held on March 16, 1975 in Pensacola in conjunction with the Swingsters Special Dance and Fish Fry
Dance was called by members of the newly formed NW Florida Callers Association, "Hoss" Waldorf, President.
We had 19 clubs in our association.

Other meetings were held in Tallahassee, Elks Club, in conjunction with the Capitol Squares' 13th Annual Cotillion on May 8, 1975.
A Buffet dinner was served.
In Valparaiso on July 19, 1975, in conjunction with the Castoffs' 3rd annual Bob Poyner Jamboree, a free luncheon was provided.
In Panama City on September 13, 1975, in conjunction with the 1st Annual Roundup and in Chipley on November 22, 1975
in conjunction with the Panhandle Promenaders Fall Ball.

Many other significant events occurred in 1975 including:

Many significant events took place in 1976 which set the future course of the association.
With the original officers having served one term and re-elected for another, the needs of the association became more apparent.
Some of the major accomplishments were:

As a new organization, meetings during 1976 were held every other month -- in Panama City, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Valparaiso, Niceville and Chipley.
All meetings were held at a special dance hosted by a member club.  Membership as of the April 1976 meeting stood at 20 clubs.

At the election held at the Roundup, the following officers were elected for 1977:

Although much was accomplished, perhaps most importantly, the previously autonomous clubs were now united and working together for the benefit of all.

The work to build a strong association continued with the new board in 1997 under the leadership of its President, Marvin and Olena Taylor.  Meetings were held in various places throughout NW Florida, resulting in further growth.

At the Annual Election the following officers were chosen to serve for 1978. 

webmaster

For Website Updates: Click Here