Kick up your heels at hoedown benefit

HOLLIS – The Hollis Woman’s Club has put a new spin on its scholarship fundraisers.

The club, which provides two $1,000 scholarships to Hollis/Brookline High School seniors, is holding a hoedown, an evening of contra and square dancing with a professional caller.

“No experience is necessary (to attend),” said Diane Raitt, club treasurer and co-chairwoman of the event.

Raitt said the youngest attendees, kids in sixth grade and below, have been asked to dress in costumes, Halloween or other.

There also will be home-baked goodies and hot or cold cider for purchase.

“We’re hoping people will have dinner before they come, and we’ll be selling cupcakes, squares, cookies, cider,” club president Jane Taylor said, adding that the goodies will be prepared by many of the club’s 120 members.

Unlike the club’s other major fundraisers, the apple and strawberry festivals held annually in partnership with the Hollis Town Band, the hoedown is strictly a woman’s club project.

“Our goal is to grow the two scholarships or create a third one,” Taylor said.

For many years, the club has awarded two annual scholarships, one for a Hollis/Brookline senior who plans to attend a university and another for a senior headed to vocational school after high school.

A committee made up of club members reviews applications for the scholarships and decides on the winning candidates.

The hoedown is Saturday, Nov. 22, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Barn, 163 Depot Road.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for teenagers, $5 for children 4-12 and free to children 3 and younger. Tickets can be ordered by calling Raitt at 882-9350, e-mailing hollishoedown@ gmail.com or through the mail, payable to Hollis Woman’s Club, HWC, P.O. Box 1042, Hollis, NH 03049.

Tickets also will be available at the door.