Community Contra Dance Returns to Williamstown

11:49AM / Wednesday, March 11, 2026Print Story | Email Story

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The North Berkshire Contra Dance is set to return to the First Congregational Church this Saturday, March 14, continuing a monthly tradition of community-focused dance and live traditional music.

The event, held in the church's Community Hall at 906 Main St., aims to provide an accessible social outlet for residents of all ages and experience levels. Maggie McRae, a veteran dance caller, will lead the evening's program.

The festivities begin with a 7:15 p.m. introductory lesson designed for those new to contra dancing—a folk style characterized by long lines of couples. McRae will continue to teach all sequences throughout the main dance, which runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The event is designed for both novices and families with children.

Music for the evening will be provided by an "open band," a format that encourages local musicians to participate in the performance. The ensemble is led by fiddle player Rebecca Weiss and guitarist Seamus Connor.

In a move to foster the next generation of dance leaders, a free calling workshop is also scheduled earlier in the day. The workshop will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Goodrich Hall on Main Street.

Admission to the evening dance follows a "pay-as-you-can" model, with a suggested sliding scale of $\$12$ to $\$20$. Organizers noted that no one will be turned away for a lack of funds, maintaining the event's mission of community inclusivity. In keeping with contra dance tradition, attendees are encouraged to change partners throughout the night, and no pre-arranged partner is necessary to join.

Regarding public health, the organization maintains a "Respirational Health Policy," requesting that anyone feeling ill or exhibiting cold symptoms stay home. While the event is not currently requiring masks, they are welcomed. Organizers reminded prospective attendees that the nature of the dance involves close physical proximity and rotating partners.

For further details on the event or the North Berkshire Contra Dance organization, community members can visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Williamstown Child Dies in Collision with Motor Vehicle

iBerkshires.com10:21AM / Saturday, August 08, 2026

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A 7-year-old Williamstown child died Friday evening after a collision with a motor vehicle at the intersection of Main Street and Buxton Hill Road, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office announced on Saturday morning.

Neither the child nor the driver were identified in the release. The child, Max Rothschild of Williamstown, was formally identified by the DA's Office on Monday. The driver has not been identified and the incident remains under investigation.

The vehicle was traveling east on Main Street, and the child, riding a bicycle, was headed down Buxton Hill Road toward Main, according to the DA.

"Preliminary information suggests that the bicyclist unintentionally entered Main Street where they were struck by the involved vehicle," the news release read.

The child died at the scene of the accident, the news release said.

"The driver of the vehicle was not impaired by alcohol or drugs," the news release said. "The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision."

The investigation remains active.

View Full Story