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Keepin It Country remembers old way of life

Submitted Richard Lynch leads the weekly barn dances at Keepin' It Country Farm in Waynesville.

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer 12:20 PM Friday, September 25, 2009

Richard Lynch remembers his father playing guitar on the porch of his country home. During his childhood, it was the height of entertainment for Lynch, who followed in his father’s footsteps by mastering the guitar. Now Lynch is determined to recapture those melodic evenings for a whole new generation.

Lynch is leading a cadre of country musicians in weekly barn dances, one of many attractions at Keepin’ It Country Farms, now entering its second fall of activities, beginning  Sept. 26. The tourist farm is located at 5511 Township Line Road, Waynesville.

“Barn dances faded out in the 1950s, but before that, in rural areas like Warren County, they were an event for the whole community,” said Lynch, who had only attended one true barn dance in his life before deciding to make them a weekly happening at his own farm.

Lynch is a professional musician who has performed for more than 30 years across the country. He has lined up a special guest each week and will also pull friends and fellow musicians from the audience to perform. Guest performers include Steve Hale (Sept. 26), Eric Measel (Oct. 3), Keith Perkins (Oct. 10), The Haddix Family (Oct. 17), Derek Carrozza (Oct. 24), and Justin Perry (Oct. 31).

Besides the Saturday night barn dances, the farm is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. Attractions include miniature horse rides, a hay land and country corn maze, horse drawn and tractor trailer rides.

Admission during the day is free. Admission to the barn dance is $10. Children 12 and younger will have a special storytime and S’mores making during the barn dance.