Submitted photo The eighth annual Helvetia Hoot will feature more than 20 workshops and activities, along with public square dances, on May 29–31.

HELVETIA — The eighth annual Helvetia Hoot will celebrate West Virginia traditional arts, music, dance, folklore, crafts and foodways during the weekend of May 29-31.

The event will feature more than 20 workshops and activities, along with public square dances on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

“The goal of Helvetia Hoot is to bring people together to celebrate West Virginia folklife,” Becky Hill, event organizer, said. “From square dance calling to printmaking to clogging, we want attendants to soak up the beauty of Appalachia and leave having learned something new.”

Highlights of the workships will include: :West Virginia Fiddle Tunes and Ballads with Gerry Milnes;” “Printmaking with Kylie Proudfoot-Payne;” “Cordials & Shrubs with Mike Costello of Lost Creek Farm;” “Square Dance Calling with T-Claw Crawford;” “Flatfooting with Matt Kupstas;” “West Virginia Square Dances with Lou Maiuri, Mack Samples, and Ellen & Eugene Ratcliffe;” “A Guided Historical Walk Through Helvetia with Dave Whipp;” and “Harmony Singing with Emily Miller.” “Helvetia is a magical place,” said organizer and square dance caller T-Claw Crawford said. “It is an idyllic spot for a traditional music and dance gathering, and the local community is incredibly welcoming.”

The Friday, May 29 evening dance will begin at 7 p.m. in the Community Hall and will feature music by Jesse Milnes and Emily Miller, alongside a lineup of West Virginia square dance callers, including Mack Samples, Ellen & Eugene Ratcliffe, Mary Alice Milnes, Taylor Runner and others. The evening will include both square dancing and honky-tonk dancing. There will be an admission charge, but children 17 and under will be admitted free.

On Saturday, May 30, attendees are invited to a community potluck at 6:30 p.m. (bring a dish to pass) in the Community Hall, before the evening square dance at 8 p.m. featuring Gina Dilg and the Happy Hutters Stringband with round-robin callers. All dances are beginner-friendly, no partner is required, and the public is welcome to attend to simply enjoy the live music.

There will be a cost for weekend admission, which will be cheaper in advance and more at the door. Children under 17 will be admitted free all weekend. Scholarships and volunteer opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register and view the full schedule, visit clawandfoot.com. Rustic camping is available for a cost per person. Campers stay in a creekside field nestled between the town’s dance halls, general store and Swiss restaurant.

Founded by Swiss immigrants in 1869, Helvetia is known for preserving Swiss and Appalachian traditions through events such as Fasnacht, the Helvetia Fair, and regular community dances.