Some nights, the cars overfill the parking lot for a mile in each direction. The popularity of clogging is indisputable. There are more than 1,000 organized clogging teams. And, of course, everyone wears two-piece staccato taps on the heels and toes of their patent leather shoes. Audiences come to watch teams compete by dancing standard forms, then freestyle, like figure skaters.
People cheer for their favourites.
It keeps families together. Indeed, families line rows of seats, from small children to grandparents. Early on, the floor is cleared for an appearance by the local Magnum Cloggers, who step into lighted spots in a straight row. Many people come here to take clogging lessons. A highlight of the year in Haywood County is the North Carolina International Folk Festival, held in late July.