Date: April 18th 2008

Hello Fellow Dancer!

Here it is, mid-April already! Almost Heaven Dance Camp is being held for the 21st time on Memorial Day weekend. As mentioned in earlier messages, we have moved the event to Timber Ridge Camp, which has proven to be a delightful place for a dance weekend. Almost Heaven was a big success last year in this new-found location.

If you have not already signed up for Almost Heaven, now is a good time. If you get your registration in the mail by April 28, you can save $20. You can download a registration form from our website or find a flyer at many dance halls across the country. We are especially encouraging those single men who hope to join us. Why keep the women waiting any longer?

If you've never been to Timber Ridge, then you might want to know, it is on several hundred acres in an area of West Virginia that we have all come to love. It is situated on a bend of the Cacapon River. And, as if that is not enough, all the cabins at this camp are fully enclosed and have inside bathrooms and showers. There's plenty of space for camping, if you prefer.

There is a large hall with a sprung wood floor that was installed for us to dance on. Also the camp features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a variety of other sports facilities, and a dining hall that can handle 400 people. Other halls provide space for additional dancing and get-togethers. Go to our website to see photos of the camp.

For performers this year, we are fortunate to have Wild Asparagus for the entire weekend, including the Friday night opening dance. They will continue our tradition of Play with the Band workshops. Yes, after attending these workshops you can say you played with one of the greatest contra dance bands of all time!

We are also excited to introduce you to the sound of the OpporTunists, a group hailing from San Jose, California. Our weekend will be filled out by our homegrown, East Coast favs, the Avant Gardeners. Also, on hand for first rate workshops and dance sets will be Marc Shepanek, Ellen Engle, Wayne Albright, and Gaye Fifer. If the pool is not enough, there will be children's programs to keep the little ones entertained. And family outings including nature walks and fossil digs.

For more information, camp photos, or to access a registration form, go to:
http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/

You may also contact Marti Schweitzer, camp registrar. Best is by email: ALMOSTMARTI@GMAIL.COM, but you can also call 703 437-0766. Please do not call before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m. EDT.

Come on out and join in the fun!