Maria Lockwood Harbor Square members, left to right, Alyce Coker, George Hughes and his wife Jessie swing to a square dance call at Billings Park Tuesday. Even calls (steps) that don’t include a twirl, like the do-si-do, often become variations which let those fluffy skirts twirl. As Harbor Square member Mark Forsman put it, “We love to swing.” The group meets weekly for a good dose of square dancing following a potluck supper. Members say they dance for the fun, the fellowship and the exercise.

To the folks who gather at Billings Park every Tuesday night as the sunlight fades, it's hip to be square.

They kick up their heels, twirl their full skirts and pass high fives along the square, depending on the calls (steps) they get. And all of them smile as they enjoy their love of the dance ... square dance.

These dancers, ranging in age from early 40s to 87, are known as the Harbor Squares. They come from thoughout the area to allemande, do-si-do, zip, unzip, ferris wheel, wave and send 'em back Dixie style every Tuesday night over the summer, rain or shine. In between called square dances, round dances and line dances are also offered.

"Theoretically, a couple can come to a dance and never sit down," said caller Michael Peters of Duluth.

Park visitors often stop to watch, pulled in by the sheer fun of square dancing. Soon, they find their hands clapping and feet tapping as they watch dancers go through a complex series of calls (steps).

For many, square dancing has been a lifelong love.

"We grew up on the dance floor, goodness," said Jessie Hughes of Duluth, whose parents were square dancers in Aitken, Minn.

"I started when I was 12 years old," said Lois Bolf of Duluth, whose husband calls for the dancing. "That makes me ..." she broke off with a laugh.

"I originally danced with my brother," said Betty Somppi of Duluth. "When my husband came along as my boyfriend, my brother got displaced." The Somppis have danced steadily for 13 years, after taking time out to raise a family.

Peters began calling when he was 12 years old because his foster parents were square dancers. "I tell people I got into calling because I could tell my parents what to do and get away with it," he said with a grin.

Bill Sharrath of Carlton has only been dancing for 10 years. A friend got him and his wife Ruth involved, and they made more friends as they danced.

"It's fun," said Sharrath. "An activity where we can go where there's no smoking or drinking and you can have a good time."

"Hey, this is what I want the main part of my social life to be," said Mark Forsman of Duluth. "Good, decent people having fun."

"We enjoy the friendship and the fun and the exercise," said Bolf.

"The best thing is the friendships we've made," said Marianne Aker of Superior, who dances with her husband, Ken.

Square dancing has been in the Twin Ports for more then 50 years, but numbers of participants have been declining.

Three years ago, four separate square dance groups joined to form the Harbor Squares. Today, the group has about 80 registered members and a good four squares (about 40 people) show up each Tuesday.

The dancing may seem a bit complicated -- this week, there were plenty of laughs when the group stumbled their way through the new call "load the boat" -- but anyone can do it. If you can walk, dancers said, and tell your left from right, you can square dance. Actually, the walking isn't necessary.

Gary Bergquist of Duluth has seen a group in wheelchairs square dance. Calls are always different so being able to hear is important, but not necessary. Bergquist has also danced with a gentleman who was deaf -- the man's wife signed the calls to him.

Dancers come in all sizes and shapes and from all walks of life.

"Name a profession," said Gary Bergquist. "We've danced with someone in that profession: salesmen, teachers, carpenters, crane operators, insurance agents, truck drivers ..."

Despite the wide variety of personalities, said Forsman, "We all get together and have a good time out on the dance floor. We're all on the same level."

Square dancing may be fun to watch, but it is a bit complicated to learn. There are 96 different calls in mainstream square dancing. The plus-level puts in over 30 more calls. Advanced and challenge levels add more calls, but aren't practiced here.

The best way to start is take a class. The Harbor Squares offer square dance classes at the Chester Park Elementary School beginning on Sept. 20. For more information about the Harbor Squares, call presidents George and Jessie Hughes (218) 879-5156, vice presidents Bob and Michelle Truman (218) 624-4483 or look them up on the web at www.squaredancing.com/harborsquares.

You can also stop by Billings Park from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and see the joys of square dancing for yourself.