Brevard ’ s Old Time Street Dances Call for Help

The street dances have been a staple of entertainment in downtown Brevard for many years, and the organizers are now struggling to keep the tradition alive. 

This year, the event is at serious risk of being discontinued, mostly due to a lack of people willing to step up to the plate and take charge of it. On February 22nd , those who have previously been involved in the leadership of the dances met with the Heart of Brevard members at Jaime’s Creole Brasserie. The purpose was to brainstorm an approach for maintaining th is fun community event series. 

Joe Smith, who’s been a major organizer, as well as Treasurer and Caller for the Old Time Street Dances, is at a point where he needs to retire from being involved . He’s hoping to find someone to pass the baton to. Hammond George has also played an important role in the leadership of the dances, and she too is needing to transition out. 

photo courtesy BlueRidgeNow.com

“Our greatest challenge in moving forward is manpower, ” says George. “The street dances desperately need leadership to guide the processes of permitting, set - up and break down , fundraising, marketing, and even in coordinating experienced dancers to assist the events - not to mention folks to fill those other roles, ” she adds.

While there is funding in place to guide this non - profit series through this coming summer, the finances will need to be renewed if the event is to continue in the future. 

The Heart of Brevard agreed to assist in transitioning the management of the Old Time Street Dances if someone comes forward to lead the program. HOB is offering assistance in publicizing the event through their network, and will help with insurance and a pool of volunteers. The TDA and City have also been supporting this event, and it is likely that this support will continue. 

The hope is to find interested persons to fulfill the needed roles for the dances to continue. Anyone interested in contributing their time to see the street dances continue, please contact the HeartofBrevard at info@brevardnc.org or 828 - 884 - 3278