Do-Si-Do with Lou Maiuri at Watoga State Park August 11

            MARLINTON, W.Va. – Square and line dancing will be called by Lou Maiuri Saturday, August 11, at 8 p.m. at Watoga State Park near Marlinton. The event is free and everyone is welcome to join the dance.

            “Anyone who square dances or line dances knows what a fun evening we’ll have,” said Cheryl Boggs, summer naturalist at Watoga.  “Even if you’ve never square danced before, you will have no trouble joining in. Lou is a master caller and dance teacher.”  

            Maiuri has seen record attendance at state parks this summer in spite of heat and summer storms.  “At Beech Fork we had about 100 people come to dance and at Holly River we hosted more than 60 attendees. It is great fun, good exercise, and a neat way to meet people from all over,” said Maiuri.  

            A seasoned caller, Maiuri is a dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing. He has won many awards in competition, including three national championships and is the director and founder of Appalachian Country Cloggers.

            Beginner or expert, Maiuri welcomes all. “I dearly love to dance,” Maiuri said. Now, at the “tender age” of 80-something, Maiuri and his dance team conduct square-dancing presentations and instruction at various locations across the state. West Virginia’s state parks are a popular stop. “I’ve had some great experiences over the years,” said Maiuri.

            Mauiri also will be appearing at Tamarack on August 19 at 2 p.m. and at Twin Falls Resort State Park October 13 for the park’s annual Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree.

            For events scheduled at West Virginia’s state parks, visit www.wvstateparks.com “Calendar.”  For activities or reservations at Watoga State Park, visit www.watoga.com or call 304-799-4087.