RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - Murfreesboro’s traveling world ambassadors, the Cripple Creek Cloggers, are keeping their dance shoes busy this week with two hometown performances that highlight both community unity and creative celebration. Even after decades of traveling the globe, the troupe continues to show that some of their most meaningful moments happen right here in Rutherford County.
The first event comes this Sunday, Oct. 18, when the Cloggers join the “Love Your Neighbor” festival at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza. Running from 1:00 PM until sunset, the gathering is a free, family‑friendly celebration of food, music, culture, and community connection. Organized primarily by Murfreesboro Muslim Youth—with help from Murfreesboro Cold Patrol and Wild Goose Chase—the festival grew out of a desire to transform the memory of a tense weekend in 2017 into an annual tradition of unity and joy. It’s become one of Murfreesboro’s most heartfelt reminders that neighbors can choose welcome over worry.
Then on Thursday, Oct. 22, the Cloggers step into the glow of the Tennessee STEAM Festival’s Lantern Parade at the Discovery Center. From 6:00 to 7:00 PM, families will gather in the parking lot before parading along the boardwalk, lanterns in hand, celebrating creativity, science, art, and imagination. It’s a whimsical event that fits perfectly with the Cloggers’ long tradition of blending movement with storytelling.
Founder Steve Cates told WGNS that the group is actively seeking new members who want to explore Appalachian square dancing—and maybe even the world. Free Sunday afternoon classes continue at 4:00 PM at the Smyrna Senior Activity Center, with remaining 2026 dates on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 8, and 15, concluding Dec. 6. No experience or special gear is needed; just a willingness to laugh, learn, and maybe discover a new passion.
Cates also shared that 2027 marks a major milestone: the troupe’s 60th anniversary. Get ready--on June 6-13, 2027, Murfreesboro will host the International Folkfest with visiting dance troupes from Chile, Poland, and Italy—and for the first time, Warren County will join the celebration with performances in McMinnville. Later that summer, the Cloggers will represent the United States in the International Folk Festival of Ingenio in Gran Canaria, Spain.
Although Cates recently suffered a fall and spent three days in the hospital, he remains optimistic. With nurses and therapists helping him recover, he said he rests easy knowing the Cripple Creek Cloggers and International Folkfest will continue their mission of friendship, music, and movement—no matter what comes next.
