Dancing around the 55th anniversary

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake 4x8 square dancing group celebrated its 55th anniversary Saturday.

Chief Moses Middle School held the dance and caller Orvin Logan, of Yakima, attended and cuer Lorna Hayden came from the Tri-Cities.

Jackie Chase, a square dancer for 33 years said, "It's a very good form of socializing and exercise for not only for your body, but your mind."

Chase said square dancers range in age from just under 9 into well into their 90s.

There are dancers who underwent hip replacement surgery and still participate.

"Age doesn't have a thing to do with it," she said.

The group is part of the Washington State Federation of Square Dancers. There are similar organizations throughout the country and internationally, Chase said.

Square dancing is Washington's state dance and the 2012 national square dancing festival is held in Spokane.

"We had people come from all over the state," said Sharon Boggs.

The North Central Council (which includes the 4x8s and other dancing groups in the region) president attended and federation president and his wife George and Sharon Broom were in attendance from Bainbridge Island, she said.

As many as 25 couples at a time participated in round dancing at the celebration which had a classic hot rod theme and some in attendance brought their classic cars.