The Blueberry Jubilee Promenaders is conserving the art of square dancing in Poplarville.

The dance club meets every Tuesday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. inside the Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church in Poplarville.

Retired Poplarville residents John and Regina McKie run the square dancing club, which is an outreach program for the church.

“We are not the biggest club in Mississippi but we are the friendliest,” John said.

Since the club began almost five years ago, John said they’ve had members from the ages of 11 to 82 who attend the classes.

“This is just a fun, casual event where we get to square dance and have fun,” he said.

He also said the class welcomes anyone, regardless of their level of experience.

Currently, the group has 13 regular members, but John said it’s difficult to keep a steady flow of regulars.

“The club is doing great, we’ve had people come and learn how to square dance but it’s hard for many people to commit to it,” he said. “Square dancing isn’t something you learn overnight. It takes a few months and also depends on how dedicated you are.”

Not only does the club meet weekly, they also perform at local events around the community. On Saturday, June 13, they will perform at the Blueberry Jubilee in Poplarville.

The club, registered with the Mississippi Square and Round Dance Association, offers free classes but donations are welcomed. Fellowship Hall is located at 202 West Church St.

For more information, contact John at (601) 795-2565.

In Picayune, the Pistols N’ Petticoats also offers public square dancing classes.

Harold Markham, the club caller, said they meet every Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Pittman Family Life Center, in Picayune located at 498 N. Haugh Ave. The class fee is $5.