Wayne County Rural Youth celebrates 90 years of dancing

A decades-old tradition is alive and well in Wayne County, as the Wayne County Rural Youth organization continues to attract dancers, music lovers and community members. The group, which had its roots in the 1930s, has made a remarkable comeback after nearly disappearing in the 1990s.

The organization traces its origins to the Wayne County Extension Office and its early involvement with 4-H clubs. In 1936, a group of young women and men who had outgrown their 4-H clubs banded together to form what would become Wayne County Rural Youth. Recently, the group celebrated its 90th anniversary with a special event at the Wayne County Fairgrounds Event Center, marking nearly a century of square dancing, community spirit and tradition.

By the early 1990s, the Wayne County Rural Youth organization struggled with low attendance and competition from other recreational activities. The once-thriving organization seemed destined to fade into history, much like many other similar groups across Ohio.

Enter Ann and Dave Tschantz.

The idea for a revival came during a conversation at a family gathering, when a guest who had participated in Rural Youth events for years suggested how much fun it would be to bring the organization back.

“We wanted to revive it, and Dave is an attorney, so he handled all of the legal work,” Ann said. “We revived the entire structure — voted in a new board, created bylaws and it was all official. That was the beginning.”

Thanks to the Tschantz’s effort, the Wayne County Rural Youth held its first square dance in 2006, drawing nine sets of dancers. Since then, the organization has continued to grow, regularly hosting large events that attract participants from neighboring counties, and has become a vital part of the region’s social fabric.

Though many regional rural youth organizations have disappeared, Wayne County remains an exception. According to Ann, the county is now home to the only remaining Rural Youth organization of its kind in Ohio and possibly in the country.

“The motto from decades ago was ‘Make your own good time,’ and that still rings true today,” Ann said. “It’s all about creating memories, and it’s heartwarming to see kids have fun in a positive environment.”

Wayne County Commissioners Matt Martin and Jonathan Hofstetter attended the event.

“The original goal of the organization was twofold,” Martin said, addressing the crowd with a proclamation. “Number one was to offer a variety of wholesome, recreational activities. Number two was to develop leadership skills. Wayne County Rural Youth is truly a one-of-a-kind organization, of which we are very proud of.”

As the organization continues to evolve, social media has played a vital role in promoting events. The group frequently updates its social media pages, keeping younger generations informed about upcoming dances. While social media is key for attracting younger dancers, older community members still learn about events through word of mouth and local networks.

Visit its Facebook page at facebook.com/WayneCountyRuralYouth.

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.