Cripple Creek CloggersThe Cripple Creek Cloggers of Rutherford County and the Slim Chance Band of Smyrna concluded their participation in the 60th anniversary of the Međunarodna smotra folklora (International Folklore Festival) on Saturday, July 18, celebrating a week of performances, cultural exchange, and international friendship.
Representatives of the Cripple Creek Cloggers and Slim Chance Band attended an official reception at the Croatian State Archives, where commemorative gifts and tokens of friendship were exchanged. Members of the Tennessee delegation met and shook hands with local and national government leaders, festival organizers, and performers representing countries from around the world.
Later that evening, the group presented its final festival performance at the Cultural Center Travno, sharing the stage with performers from the local Croatian region, Taiwan, Italy, Slovenia, and other participating nations. The enthusiastic audience responded warmly to the Appalachian-American music and dance presented by the Rutherford County group.
Throughout the week, the Cripple Creek Cloggers and Slim Chance Band proudly represented the traditions of Middle Tennessee, introducing international audiences to Appalachian-American clogging and live bluegrass music while building lasting friendships with performers from across the globe.
“This week has been so special,” said Cripple Creek Clogger Maria Leon. “I love sharing our culture and exploring the other countries here at the festival.”
Slim Chance Band leader Sarah Harris added, “It’s so rewarding being able to spend time with the musicians and dancers from around the world. I think they enjoyed our fiddle and bass as much as we like their bagpipes, gongs, and hammer dulcimers.”
As the delegation prepares to return home, members say they leave Croatia with a renewed appreciation for the power of traditional music and dance to connect people across cultures.
“We have been honored to represent Middle Tennessee culture to people from around the world who gathered in Zagreb,” said Director Matt Davis. “We return home with a renewed spirit of friendship and peace, and with a deeper appreciation for the traditions that make every culture unique.”
All photographs accompanying this release were taken by tour photographer Daniel Keyser.
The Cripple Creek Cloggers’ next Tennessee performance will be Saturday, August 1, at 1:30 p.m. during the Walking Through History event at the Smyrna Public Library, part of the nationwide America 250 celebration. The performance is free and open to the public.
Anyone interested in learning traditional Appalachian clogging is invited to attend the group’s next open practice on Sunday, August 2, at 4:00 p.m. at the Smyrna Senior Activity Center. New dancers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.
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