Cripple Creek Cloggers "Wowed" Croatia!

Jul 26, 2017 at 05:19 pm by bryan


The Cripple Creek Cloggers returned home July 24th after successful performances in Croatia.

Founder and Director Steve Cates notes, "The group's participation in Croatia's 51st Annual International Folk Festival enabled them to be true goodwill ambassadors not only for Rutherford County, but for the USA as well."

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In addition to performing, the Cripple Creek Cloggers were able to attend historic sites, visit the country's amazing cathedrals and get to know citizens on a personal level.

Steve Cates along with Carey and Nathan Horton (see group photo above) present parting gifts to Zagreb's Mayor Milan Bandic proudly wears the "Tennessee bonnet". He also holds the key to the City of Murfreesboro, a symbol given by Cripple Creek Cloggers. It shows appreciation for the excellent hosting provided for all who participated in the festival.

Carey, a teacher with Murfreesboro City Schools, holds the special certificate presented to each of the visiting troupes. It was awarded in ceremonies that followed Holy Mass in Zagreb Cathedral for all participants in the festival.

Her husband, Nathan, is the longest-serving member of the local folk troupe. He has been a member for nearly thirty years.

Other area members joining the celebration included Susan Mellantine, Alan Miller, Matt Davis, Donna Davis, Michael Graves, and Ladye Martin. "Sarah & The Romans", a bluegrass band from Rijeka, Croatia, joined Cripple Creek Cloggers to provide music for all performances during International Folk Fest in Zagreb.

Since the Cripple Creek Cloggers are now back home, they will again begin teaching sessions and rehearsals on August 6th. Check their website: www.cripplecreekcloggers.org.

Their fall performances, include a visit to Hilmarfestivalen in Steinkjer, Norway in November.

Cates notes, "Of course as they travel they are continually soliciting troupes to come to Tennessee for International Folkfest, now in its 36th year and to be held during June 10-17, 2018.

Participation in the local folk dance troupe, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, is free to those interested."

For more information, contact Steve Cates at appdancer@aol.com or 615-896-3559.

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