by Staff Writer
This Friday, August 8, the rhythmic sounds of traditional Appalachian clogging will echo through downtown Westminster as the Carroll County Cloggers take center stage under the historic marquee of the Carroll County Arts Council. The live performance, set for noon, will mark the state’s inaugural observance of Maryland Clogging Day, a newly established celebration of this vibrant American folk tradition.
The day was officially recognized earlier this year when Governor Wes Moore signed a proclamation declaring August 8 as Maryland Clogging Day, affirming the cultural significance of clogging in the state’s rich tapestry of folk arts. “By celebrating Clogging Day,” Moore stated, “Maryland honors the vibrance, resilience, and enduring spirit of a dance form that continues to inspire and unite our citizens.”
For Lynn Degrassi, President of the Carroll County Cloggers, the moment is both historic and deeply personal. “We are so excited to be celebrating the Maryland, National, and International Day of Clogging,” said Degrassi. “This is a special day in the history of modern clogging, and we’re thrilled to share it with our community through a live performance.”
Clogging, a percussive dance form with deep roots in Appalachian culture, originated in the mid-1700s. It evolved as immigrants from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Germany settled in the Appalachian Mountains, blending their traditional dances into what would become a uniquely American art form. The style, known for its rhythmic footwork and lively spirit, has remained a cornerstone of folk dance across the United States.
Friday’s celebration also pays tribute to Bill Nichols, revered as the “Grandfather of Modern Clogging,” whose influence helped shape contemporary clogging techniques and preserve its legacy for future generations.
The Carroll County Cloggers, founded in October 1979, hold the distinction of being Maryland’s longest continuously active clogging group. Operating as a program of the Carroll County Recreation and Parks Department and the Westminster Area Recreation Council, the group is also a proud Arts Alliance Member of the Carroll County Arts Council.
Dedicated to preserving Appalachian clogging through public education and performance, the group’s current officers include Degrassi as President, Lora Strosnider as Vice President, Beth Osborne as Secretary, and Mark Wilson—who has been with the group since its founding—as Treasurer.
The performance will take place at the Carroll County Arts Center, located at 91 W. Main Street. Once an art deco movie theater, the center now serves as a vibrant hub for cultural programming and community events, aligning perfectly with its mission to integrate the arts into the daily life of Carroll County.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to gather for this free event, celebrate a uniquely American tradition, and tap along to the enduring beat of Maryland’s newest cultural holiday.
