Cowboy boots and country roots at 20th Barn Dance

Event serves as fundraiser for Future Farmers County Fair
The twentieth annual Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair Barn Dance will take place April 14, and organizers are hoping for a boot stomping good time.
“I love the theme. ‘Cowboy boots and country roots,’ it was proposed by a student and I love it. I’m from Healdsburg, I grew up here, and so many people forget that it’s the country,” said Emily McCutchan, co-chair of the barn dance.
“It just goes back to the fair. This is our 62nd year, and those are our roots: cowboy boots and country. And what better way to drag out your cowboy boots to come to the barn dance?”
The barn dance raises money to cover the expenses of the Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair, and is sponsored by the HFFCF board. McCutchan encouraged community members to come out and support the cause.
“This is the lifeline of our community, youth and agriculture. That’s what our community is all about. It’s celebrating and supporting, and ensuring our heritage continues in agriculture. I think we’re one of the only fairs in the state that’s non-profit,” McCutchan said.
In addition to good will, the barn dance has become locally famous for good food, with board member Phil Manoukian spearheading the dinner.
“We barbecue New York Strip, and it’s actually a joint effort. There’s a lot of guys that volunteer their time and we have a very nice grill that cooks them up to perfection. I think people they might be overly kind, but they were saying that last year’s dinner was the best ever,” Manoukian said.
“We are cooking scalloped potatoes and I’ve been perfecting a ranch bean recipe and some sautéed veggies, and we have a great time passing out hors d’oeuvres prior to dinner. The pepper and prosciutto barbecued appetizer seems to be the biggest hit.”
While fellow board members call Manoukian a chef, he shrugs off the praise.
“I’m just a weekender from way back,” he said.
Like all the event organizers and committee members, Manoukian donates his time because he believes in the cause.
“One of my goals on the long term planning committee is to double the amount that we give out in scholarships. You wouldn’t believe, these kids are so great,” Manoukian said.
McCutchan agreed.
“Most of us who are on the fair board, our lives were really touched by the fair as youth. All of the money I made on my market animals went back into my breeding program, and all the money I made from that went into paying for college,” McCutchan said, noting that she wants today’s youth to be able to do the same.
“Anyone who wants to support local agriculture and wants to have a good time should come.”
New this year will be a live auction, VIP tables, and online ticket sales. Tickets can be purchased either at Wright’s Feed Store or online at brownpapertickets.com for $35. Auction items will include a private dinner for 25 at the Vineyard Club with Ken Rochioli, a pig roast package, a cigar-b-q package, a passport weekend package, and more.
To reserve a table or to donate items for the auctions, contact Emily McCutchan at em*************@gm***.com. Additional information about the barn dance can be found on the Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair Facebook page.