What is Helvetia Hoot?
In 2019, Becky Hill and T-Claw collaborated to present the first Helvetia Hoot! It's goal was to bring together people from all over the region to celebrate West Virginia and pass down traditions from masters to future generations. The mini-weekend festival is designed to interest just about anyone willing to be somewhat off the grid. You can come dabble in square dance calling, try your hand at natural dying, shuffle your feet in a dance workshop, learn to bake without written recipes, or just soak up the beauty of Helvetia. There are currently 28 varied workshop offerings being planned for all experience levels including family focused activities.
“Helvetia is a magical place. My first visit was for the 2015 Dare to Be Square. I could not believe I was still in Randolph county. It was beautiful, welcoming, and a super idyllic spot for a traditional square dance convergence. The local community seemed happy to host. As a participant, I absorbed the stories and culture while becoming friends with some of my favorite old timers. Becky enlisted my help, since I now live in Elkins. We thought it would be fun to broaden the scope of the event to feature activities for friends and family in addition to the 24/7 dance and music experience. Hence the re-branding, ‘Helvetia Hoot!’ ” ~T. Claw, Organizer and Dance Caller from Nashville, TN.
photos by Andrew Carroll www.a-carroll.com
WORKSHOPS
Workshop schedule to be announced soon. We are still in the process of lining up a cast of fantastic instructors. Highlights so far include Appalachian Poetry, Gospel Singing, Glenville & Dunmore Style Square Dances, Foraging, Flatfooting I & II, Biscuit Making, Helvetia Fiddle Tunes, Line Dancing, Square Dance Calling 101 and so many more workshops in music, dance, folklore and foodways yet to be determined! Stay tuned for updates.
CHECK IN
Event check-in will start at 3pm on Friday, May 21 at the Community Hall.
There are no ATMs or banks near Helvetia.
There are no ATMs or banks near Helvetia.
COST
Super Early Bird Tickets through August 15, 2020: $40
Early Bird Tickets through April 1, 2022: $55
Month Prior & At the Gate: $70
Rustic camping is $10 per night per adult.
FREE for kids under 17 years of age.
Early Bird Tickets through April 1, 2022: $55
Month Prior & At the Gate: $70
Rustic camping is $10 per night per adult.
FREE for kids under 17 years of age.
VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER: Please let us know if you can't come due to not being able to afford the admission price. There are several volunteer opportunities available for partial and full tuition. There are also several scholarships available to eager beginning callers!
SCHEDULE
Public Nightly Dances start around 7 or 8pm in the Community Hall. Admission is $10.
Friday, May 20 – Helvetia Star band followed by Jesse Milnes & Friends
Saturday, May 21 – The Modock Rounders
Sunday, May 22 – at 4pm, Country Duets Happy Hour Send Off
2019's schedule is below for reference:
Friday, May 20 – Helvetia Star band followed by Jesse Milnes & Friends
Saturday, May 21 – The Modock Rounders
Sunday, May 22 – at 4pm, Country Duets Happy Hour Send Off
2019's schedule is below for reference:
| 2019_helvetia_hoot_schedule_-_schedule__2_.pdf |
SLEEP
Rooms are available for rent. They go fast once the event is announced.
Kultur Haus: 304-924-5160
Beekeeper Inn: 304-924-6435
To reserve a room please tell them you are with “Dare to be Square/Helvetia Hoot”.
For more information visit www.helvetiawv.com
Kultur Haus: 304-924-5160
Beekeeper Inn: 304-924-6435
To reserve a room please tell them you are with “Dare to be Square/Helvetia Hoot”.
For more information visit www.helvetiawv.com
CAMPING
Rustic camping is $10 per night per adult.
No showers are available
There is a small creek to play around in.
There are real restrooms within walking distance of the camping area.
No showers are available
There is a small creek to play around in.
There are real restrooms within walking distance of the camping area.
DIRECTIONS
Be warned that GPS to Helvetia often doesn’t work. There have been multiple hilarious adventures that involve people getting stuck on dirt roads. Use these directions from the Hutte. There will be signs posted. Most cell phones will not get reception in Helvetia. Some have had success google mapping it from Buckhannon, try if you're daring or stick to the directions below.
--From Elkins: Take Route 219 to 250 South for 16 miles to Mill Creek.
In Mill Creek Turn Right on County Route 46 (Helvetia Road). Go 20 Miles to Helvetia.
--From Buckhannon: Take Route 20 South for 12 miles to the West Virginia Wildlife Center.
Turn Left onto County Route 11 (Alexander Helvetia Road). Go 20 Miles to Helvetia.
--From Elkins: Take Route 219 to 250 South for 16 miles to Mill Creek.
In Mill Creek Turn Right on County Route 46 (Helvetia Road). Go 20 Miles to Helvetia.
--From Buckhannon: Take Route 20 South for 12 miles to the West Virginia Wildlife Center.
Turn Left onto County Route 11 (Alexander Helvetia Road). Go 20 Miles to Helvetia.
MEALS
Friday May 20
Dinner: 6 - 8pm We are foraging the possibility of an upscale Appalachian feast…
Saturday May 21
Breakfast: We will have COFFEE & OATMEAL available
Lunch: tbd
Dinner: POTLUCK 6 – 8pm (please bring a dish to pass)
Sunday May 22
Breakfast: We will have COFFEE & OATMEAL available
Brunch: On your own. The Hutte will be open noon to 7pm. (reservations highly recommended)
Dinner: Leftovers etc. Our programming ends before dinner. If you plan to stay the night make sure you bring food.
Snacks, beer, t-shirts, honey, maple, jam, postcards and other small items are available on Saturday at the Helvetia General Store/Kultur Haus/Post Office. There is no ATM, gas station or large grocery store in Helvetia. There is a gas station down the road in Pickens.
Dinner: 6 - 8pm We are foraging the possibility of an upscale Appalachian feast…
Saturday May 21
Breakfast: We will have COFFEE & OATMEAL available
Lunch: tbd
Dinner: POTLUCK 6 – 8pm (please bring a dish to pass)
Sunday May 22
Breakfast: We will have COFFEE & OATMEAL available
Brunch: On your own. The Hutte will be open noon to 7pm. (reservations highly recommended)
Dinner: Leftovers etc. Our programming ends before dinner. If you plan to stay the night make sure you bring food.
Snacks, beer, t-shirts, honey, maple, jam, postcards and other small items are available on Saturday at the Helvetia General Store/Kultur Haus/Post Office. There is no ATM, gas station or large grocery store in Helvetia. There is a gas station down the road in Pickens.
