The NE Oregon Folklore Society invites the traditional dance and music communities of the Northwest to join us for a day of celebration.  We hope you will come and share with us and each other your love and interest in traditional dance and dance music.  Unlike many other dance festivals, this event is based largely on the shared talents of the participants attending.  Workshop leaders, dance callers and musicians are primarily event attendees who wish to share their special knowledge and enthusiasm on specific dance or music topics. 

We've gotten great feedback in the past, and because of it, this year's Spring Thaw will be better than ever.

First, by popular demand, we have expanded the Thaw to THREE DAYS from the one day only format of past years.  Enjoy dancing and playing music Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning as well.

Second, we have found a LARGE dance hall with a fine WOOD FLOOR for our Saturday dance venue.  There will be plenty of room for dancing, and a joints-friendly surface to do it on, a welcome improvement for some of us more mature folk.  We haven't neglected you musicians, either.  We've reserved plenty of space at Grace Bible Church (site of last year's Spring Thaw, and just four blocks from our dance hall) for jamming and impromptu band practices.  Whether your joy is twirling in circles or plucking on strings, you'll share more of it with friends near and far at this year's Spring Thaw.

At past festivals in La Grande, the local community has established a reputation for hospitable friendliness.  We DO intend to continue that tradition, and offer homestays to out-of-own visitors and an opportunity for shared meals. 

We are planning four workshop/activity slots during the day Saturday, two in the morning, and two in the afternoon.  We have space for two simultaneous activities, a space for dancing in the main hall at the Riveria Activity Center, and music workshops and jamming space at Grace Bible Church, just four blocks away.

We will be working on soliciting potential workshop leaders and topics and filling in our schedule between now and the Spring Thaw.  If you have ideas about a workshop you would like to offer, or you have someone you would like to recommend, please email or call us about it soon.  Keep in mind that all workshop leaders have their Spring Thaw registration fee waived; they'll attend Spring Thaw at no charge (limit, one fee waiver per workshop.)

This year, the Friday night party returns as the Welcome Party.

Two years ago, at the initial Spring Thaw, early arriving and local attendees gathered at The Olde Meeting House for an informal get-together the night before the Thaw.  Musicians jammed in the corner while dancers improvised on the floor, inventing a new dance in the process, with plenty of time for gabbing and getting to know one another.  This year we are bringing the party back.  Join us for a very informal gathering the night before.  There's no pre-set program; just bring your instruments, your dancing shoes, maybe a snack to share and something to drink.  We'll make something happen, and we'll bet you'll enjoy yourself.

Where it will be happening is at The Olde Meeting House, our local dance venue at 901 M Avenue in La Grande (the corner of 3rd St. and "M" Ave.), the same location as our Sunday morning brunch and farewell dance.  We'll start things about 7:30 and wrap things up about 9:30 PM so you can get a good night's sleep before the big day.

We anticipate inviting some very special guests to the Spring Thaw this year.  Last year's attendees were so enthusiastic about our guest, Kelly Thibodeaux, that we decided to see if we can match or outdo ourselves with a choice for this year.  Wish us luck in our endeavor, and check back here every once in a while to see what we have come up with.

Refreshments and Snacks

We will have coffee, tea, cocoa and fruit juices as well as fresh water available for all Spring Thaw participants.

We are asking each participant to bring a finger-food snack to share, potluck style throughout the festival.  We'll make sure these are available during the breaks between workshops and during the evening dance.

Included On Site Lunch Saturday

Lunch is being provided to all Spring Thaw participants on site.  We'll be having a pasta bar and salad lunch, with vegetarian, non-dairy and non-gluten options available.  If you have other dietary restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible and we will make an attempt to accommodate your needs.

Included "Contra"nental Brunch Sunday

A continental-style brunch will be available to those participating on Sunday morning including baked goods, fruit, yogurt, etc.  Again, let us know about any further dietary restrictions.

Optional Saturday Group Dinner

For the Saturday evening meal, we have made arrangements with local restaurant Mamacita's International Grill, to use their banquet room for an optional group dinner.  This will be a no-host affair, with those attending ordering off the regular menu and paying their own bill.  You can see an online copy of their menu and prices by clicking here.  Please let us know when you register whether you would like to participate in this group dinner by checking the "Group Dinner Reservation" box on the registration form.  To facilitate prompt dinner service that evening, we are encouraging group dinner participants to select their menu choices early in the day, so that we can call in the orders in advance.  We will have meal order forms for you to fill out at the dance hall.  We hope you take advantage of this option, and look forward to being able to socialize with you over a meal in a setting that's relaxing for hosts and guests alike.

The Mamacita's Menu
Check the menu for specials as well as the daily menu items.

Local Restaurants

For you out-of-town guests not interested in the shared meals.  La Grande is fortunate to have wider variety of eating establishments than is usual for a town of it's size.  We've compiled a list of recommended local restaurants, covering a good range of price and formality options.

Name	Description	Price Range	Hours	Location
Foley Station	La Grande's gourmet dining establishment.  Owner/Chef Merlin prepares "Northwest cuisine with interesting international influences."  Full Bar, Beer, Wines & Micro Brews	$12-$29 dinners	Mon-Sat 10:30am-10pm Sunday 7am-10pm	1114 Adams Avenue 541-963-7473
Ten Depot Street	Well prepared food in a historic setting (peek in at the bar.)  More than steaks and seafood; try salads, sandwiches, lamb, emu and vegetarian options.  Full Bar, Beer, Wines & Micro Brews	$8-$22 dinners	Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm Closed Sunday	10 Depot Street 541-963-8766
Mt. Emily Ale House	La Grande's one and only micro-brewer.  Pub-like fare; burgers, sandwiches, salads, appatezers, gourmet pizzas.  And of course.. beer.	most items $8-$12	Tue-Sat 4:30pm-11pm Closed Sunday and Monday	1202 Adams Avenue 541-962-7711
The Sub Shop	Popular local sandwich shop also has soup and pizza.	$5-$7 lunch	11am-7pm	1903 4th Street 541-963-0917

For out-of-town guests, we offer a choice of taking advantage of our homestay hospitality, or making your own arrangements at a local motel or B & B

Homestays

The people of La Grande have made a tradition of opening their homes to out-of-town guests at past dance festivals.  We will attempt to match anyone that wishes with an appropriate homestay host.  Even though we may not be able to honor all homestay requests, we do have a good past record of finding hosts for all those that have wished one.  To sign up, just enter the relevant information in your Spring Thaw registration form.  If you do want a homestay, please return your registration as soon as possible.  This gives us the maximum opportunity to find the best host for you.

Commercial Accommodations

Here is a sampling of places to stay in La Grande.  A more extensive list of accommodations can be found at the Union County Visitors Association website.

Name	Description	Price Range	Location
Stange Manor	Posh B&B accommodations in an historic mansion, just a few blocks from the Olde Meeting House.	$110-145 for two	1612 Walnut Street 888-286-9463
La Grande Inn	Near freeway, wi-fi, fitness center, sauna, and will accept guests with dogs as well.	$59 and for 2	2612 Island Avenue 541-963-7195 (office) 877-747-8713 (reservations)
Super 8 Motel	National chain rates and quality.  EZ freeway access.	$69-$109 for two	2407 East R Avenue 800-800-8000
La Grande Rodeway Inn	Tidy, economical and pet friendly, this motel is conveniently located about halfway between Olde Meeting House and Riveria Activity Center.	$45 and up for two	402 Adams Avenue 541-962-7143
Royal Motor Inn	Older, clean and basic budget motel, close to Olde Meeting House and downtown.	$37.00 and up	1510 Adams Avenue 800-990-7575

Important deadline

Fees:

We are offering two ways to register.

Mail-in Registration

Click the link below to download our registation form.  Print it out, fill it in, and mail it and your fee to our registation volunteer at the address on the form.

Once we have received your registration, we will email you or call you with a confirmation message.

Download the Registration Form here.

Phone-in Registration

Call one of the numbers on our registration hot-line.  One of our courteous volunteers will ask you for your registation information and choices and instruct you where to send your payment.