2002

TEN YEARS OF FREEDOM

"decadances"

Philadelphia Freedom Fly-In X

Late breaking news!

"We're off and running. Friday night was a great success. Terrific energy from the callers and the dancers... warm spring weather... lots of old and new friends. We still offer day rates if you cannot make the whole weekend, so please show up and share some of our spirit even if you cannot stay for everything!" (Friday, March 15)

"Our fly-in was a great success, and we thank all of our callers, guests and club members for making it such fun. Everything from the dancing to the partying to the beautiful baskets and the delicious brunch worked out well. We now have our venue for 2003 in place and we will look forward to seeing our old friends and making new ones in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In addition to a terrific line-up of callers, we will be able to offer a heated pool, a larger dance space, a larger registration meet-and-greet area and more on-site restaurant and bar facilities for a very reasonable price. Until then....." (Sunday, March 17)

As we approach our 10th Fly-In, we are thrilled to welcome all of our friends to join us in New Hope, Pennsylvania from March 15-17. We will be "taking over" the same hotel as in previous years and we welcome back 3 of our favorite callers. Our class teachers, Glenn Matthew and Betsy Gotta, will be back. Many of you know the long relationship of the Independence Squares and these two outstanding callers. Glenn has taught us for several years running, and he has been the caller at our Pride marches. In addition to calling for us, Glenn has had a long career calling at local clubs as well as in more distant locations including several cruises. Betsy is someone who needs no introduction. As the winner of the Golden Boot award in 2001, Betsy has practically a legendary association with gay/lesbian square dancing. And while we share Betsy during the year with the Times Squares, we get all of her during our Fly-In. These two amazing callers are reason enough to join us. But you know that for us, enough is never really enough. So we bring back Anne Uebelacker from British Columbia to round out this triumvirate of superior calling. Anne, another Golden Boot winner, has called at more Philadelphia Fly-Ins than anyone else. And it's no wonder when you get to know her! Great spirit, great attitude, great voice and great choreography -- Anne has it all. Join us for 3 days of dancing from Mainstream to C1!

This year, we return to New Hope, Pennsylvania, where our club has had four very successful fly-ins. New Hope was also instrumental in the formative years of the Independence Squares since our monthly Barn Dance used to attract New Yorkers, Philadelphians and people from the surrounding area. New Hope is an attractive village on the Delaware River. Along with Lambertville, New Jersey, New Hope offers a charming mix of antique shops, specialty stores, nice restaurants and beautiful scenery.

Our host hotel is the Best Western Inn, New Hope. Just a little bit west of town at 6426 Lower York Rd. (Rte. 202), this motel has ample free parking, comfortable if simple rooms and a very attractive room rate. It is only $81 per night (plus relevant taxes) for one to four people. Please mention the Independence Squares and 2002: Tenth Anniversary of Freedom when you call 800.HOPE.202 or 215.862.5221 to make reservations.

Looking for the fly-in schedule? Click below!

Keep your ears and eyes open for our imminent announcement about our 2003 fly-in... We think you'll be very pleasantly surprised by some new developments.