The Red River Community House officially opened its doors for the first time offering games and activities during the day, square dancing at night and church services on Sunday, all free of charge. It’s in their charter.
Now, 71 years later, RRCH is still a Not-for-Profit operation, a hub for fun and fellowship with a long list (400+) of activities, presentations, entertainment and social events for visitors of all ages.
The idea for the Big Log Cabin first surfaced in 1940 when summer resident homeowners decided there needed to be a place, other than a saloon dance hall casino, where people could go for entertainment and social activities of a family nature. Since there were no churches in Red River, the nearest being in Questa, the building could serve as a place of worship on Sundays.
With donations and fund-raisers by local businesses, the Community House opened its front doors in 1942.
The Community House roars to life June 1 and operates until late September. It does have special events in May and some during autumn and winter.
From Acoustic Musical Jam sessions to Zumba sessions with certified instructor Gina Negrete, the RRCH will offer hours and hours of wholesome entertainment and recreation.
The Community House operates on support through contributions and donations of those people who love what the RRCH stands for and the values it embodies. The doors are open to one and all.
Regular visitors to redrivercommunityhouse.org on the internet will find several new additions to the Calendar.
The Music in the Mountains series that has been so popular for several years has inspired the creation of some new noteworthy musical events.
The Red River Dulcimer Festival is set for August 3. Davis and Annette Lindsey with Dana and Judy Hamilton will present demonstrations and workshops for Hammer Dulcimer and Mountain Dulcimer, while the Wright family – Margaret, Jerry and Hollis – will be teaching Mountain Dulcimer and Sacred Dulcimer. Concerts are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Red River Valley Dulcimer Club will host jam sessions on the RRCH lawn.
The Community House is organizing a Bluegrass Fest that will feature Folk, Americana, and Roots musicians, as well as Bluegrass players. It’s a work in progress, so check the Community House website for dates.
The rumor that square dancing is no longer part of the fun at RRCH is just that: an uninformed and untrue rumor, as witnessed by the 6th Annual Roundezvous May 16-18, Square Dancing with Attitude in June and July, and the Aspencade Square and Round Dance Festival on September 19-21.