The Michigan State University North Farm in Chatham was hoppin’ with dancing and family fun on Saturday, Sept. 23 for the first Barn Dance, sponsored by Alger County Communities that Care (AC3).

“This turnout is wonderful,” said Sandy Ehlert, Chair of AC3. “This is just a great way to bring the county together and have a pro-social event.”

Over 300 people arrived for the free dance, which included folk dancing displays, square dancing workshops, children events and a tractor trailer ride around the farm. Families came as far away as Wetmore, Shingleton and Trenary.

This was the first barn dance held by the organization, which had previously held the “It’s all in the barn” plated-dinner fundraiser at the same location. AC3 had reassessed the functionality of that fundraiser during the pandemic shutdown and decided to go a more family-friendly route for all members of the community.

“We wanted to assemble everyone from the community in a pro-social event,” said AC3’s Elise Bunce. “When we had to charge admission, we couldn’t get people to come. This way we can really open it up for everybody.”

This has been a busy week for AC3, as the dance and the annual Pizza with a Purpose fundraiser are both in a six-day span. Pizza with a Purpose is scheduled around Pictured Rocks Pizza’s closing date, so the organization doesn’t have much of a say for when that event occurs.

To assist with the events, the AC3 Youth Council helped park cars, run children’s events and more.

“We received a lot of support from the kids for this and they plan on helping with Pizza with a Purpose as well,” Ehlert said. “It’s always a great sight to see when youth are getting involved in the community.”

A pie and cake auction was also held to help raise funds for the farm and its various scholarship opportunities