As we continue “chugging” into a new year of clogging, Fancy Free took time to honor the accomplishments and special moments of 2019 with our annual awards banquet.

This event was once tied to the Christmas party, but has morphed into a celebration to look forward to after the holidays are done. Plus, it gives us an excuse to eat twice!

We gathered together in late January (minus a few out sick, because ‘tis the season) to carry on the tradition.

Evie filled the dance floor with tables, chairs, and plenty of sparkle to match the sweater she always wears for this event.

Dancers and their families arrived bearing food to accompany the ham Evie and Ivan provided as the main dish. Recipes were exchanged after dinner, with “crack potatoes” being the request I overheard most. Seriously, ranch mix, potatoes, cheese, bacon? Who can resist?!

The Johnsons distributed their beloved photo cards around the room. At the end of each season, they curate a collection of photos to represent the year, carefully making sure everyone is on the card somewhere. They outdid themselves this year with the addition of captions printed on the back.

Thank you, Bob and Sabrena!

Following dinner, Evie presented clogging medals to Bob, Dustin, and me, and we in turn gave out medals along with a speech about each dancer on our lists. Everyone brings something special to the studio, and everyone needs to know they are seen and appreciated.

Remington was proud to hear beginner instructor Bob brag about his ability to learn new dance steps. Remington is also learning how to tell time using Evie’s clock. He always wants to know how much time before “Baby Shark.”

Dustin complimented Alexis on her ability to fully embrace whatever role she is assigned in a clogging routine. This kid has acting skills! She portrayed a dancing raccoon in the Hee Haw routine, Cinderella in the Smoky Mountain Encore show, and Simon the Chipmunk in a number for the Christmas show.

Kayla reigned as queen of clog camp and teamed up with Molly to win the lip sync contest. She earned a position as leader for “Betty’s Bein’ Bad” and she sets an excellent example for her fellow dancers in class.

I had to get on tiptoes to place the medal over Kayla’s head. These kids keep getting taller!

Evie surprised our youngest dancers with stuffed animals chosen to match their personalities. Madison is definitely a purple unicorn in all the best ways!

Dustin and I were thrilled to receive Smile Bobbleheads. The trophies even kind of look like us!

Jim appropriately won the “Inspiration” award! He says he only feels 95, not 96 years old, ha-ha.

Dustin used his considerable artistic talents to create this plaque for Jim.

The new Clogger of the Year is …ELIZA!!!

Anyone who can clog while wearing an inflatable shark suit deserves recognition!

I think she was still stunned as Bob and Evie helped her don the jacket. Eliza is a wonderful asset to the team! She uses her artistic talents to help create props, she pairs her fancy footwork with incredible comedic timing to shine on the stage, and she attacks any activity (be it bobbing for apples or leading story time) with gusto.

Bob and Molly, jacket winners from the past two years, welcome Eliza to the Clogger of the Year club!

Evie isn’t the only one who can pull off a surprise around here!

2020 marks the 25th anniversary of Fancy Free Cloggers. Dustin had to hide the box in his car until awards were almost over, but she had no idea this was coming. Another gorgeous plaque made by Dustin himself.

Thanks for bringing a quarter-century (and counting!) of clogging to our part of Ohio, Evie!

Evie’s final award presentation left no dry eyes in the room. Myla won the Larry Pummel Award, which was created in memory of Myla’s great-grandfather many years ago.

Thanks for the memories, FFC family! Let’s make some more!

Challenge to all cloggers this week: Give a sincere thank you or compliment to someone at your dance studio.