We’re hoping for nice, dry spring weather, but when you’re packing for the weekend, check the weather for Fayetteville, WV (the nearest location with weather postings). If it rains, it can get muddy around the cabins and dance hall, so bring your mud shoes, rain gear, and an umbrella.

We’ve pulled together everything we think you need to know in one place on our “Detail” Page but here are some highlights and additional information:

On-site accommodations: We’re not taking reservations for the cabins—it’s first come, first-served. There are lots of bunks and we’ve never run out of cabin space. The cabins are women-only, men-only, and co-ed. Toilet and shower facilities are near the cabins. There’s plenty of camping space, but if the ground is wet, please don’t drive your vehicle too far off the camp road onto the grass. We don’t want to have to break up a contra line to push you out of the mud.

The camp will open for the season one day earlier than scheduled on Thursday, May 2. We have also booked Sunday night, May 5, for those who want to stay over. For each night, we pay a flat fee ($137.50) for any number from 1 to 50 staying in cabins or camping. The kitchen and dining hall will be open, but you’ll need to provide your own food. The first meal planned is the Friday night potluck.

If your travel plans permit, why not arrive a day early, go hike in the New River Gorge, jam or just hang out and help us set up the dance hall? You can add the $15 per night fee to your registration but there’s really no need to tell us in advance. Indeed, this can be a last-minute decision along the lines of "Let's cancel the hotel--it'll be more fun waking up to the sounds of the birds in a cabin in Fayette County."

Flashlight: They’ve installed solar lights on the steps between the dance and dining halls, but in other areas it may be dark. You will need a flashlight or two.

Potluck: Remember to bring a dish if you’re planning to attend the Friday potluck. We’ll supply plates, utensils, water, coffee, and tea.

Dance buttons: We will have buttons and / or name tags at the check-in station. Adding your name and decoration will be do-it-yourself. Optionally, you may bring and use your favorite button[s] from another dance weekend.

Contact phone: 304-553-5603. Call if you need to contact us on Friday or anytime during the weekend. Email during the weekend will be more iffy.

FOOTMAD is adopting a trust-the-dancers health policy. We trust you’ve had your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, but we’re not going to require proof of vaccination or a negative test. Masks will be optional.

If you’ve attended a previous Whirl, you’ll know that our dance hall is exceptionally well ventilated. We can open the barn doors on the two long sides for ample air flow.

We will have hand sanitizer available at the dance hall and the dining room and a supply of masks.

We appeal to your common sense. If you feel sick or are recovering from COVID-19 or the flu or have symptoms during the week before the Whirl, please stay home. We will refund your registration. You may consider taking a rapid test the day before the Whirl.