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5th National Square Dance Convention
San Diego, California
June, 22, 23, 24, 1956

39th National Square Dance Convention
Memphis, Tennessee

June 28, 29, 30, 1990

Bud Dixon

C. J. “Bud” Dixon reported that through the encouragement of Carl and Varene Anderson and Ed and Dru Gilmore (co-chairmen of the first annual convention) he and his staff prepared a bid which was presented in Dallas to host the 1956 convention in San Diego. Square dance associations throughout California were solicited for endorsements and co-sponsorship with the Square Dance Association of San Diego County.

The San Diego Association had access to the facilities at Balboa Park at no charge, and the other associations gave enthusiastic support to the bidding group. Balboa Park facilities included 130,000 square feet of danceable floor space plus the Balboa Bowl to be used for exhibitions and many conference rooms, all equipped with seating and sound systems adequate for panel discussions.

Next, the services of the San Diego Tourist and Convention Bureau were enlisted in preparation of the bid which, ultimately, consisted of a
1-inch volume of invitations, endorsements, and photos with a desirable date, together with evidence that the Association had the experience and qualifications necessary to host a national convention.

A delegation was then financed by the Association to present the bid in Dallas. The Convention Bureau shipped thousands of white carnations to present to dancers attending opening night. The Executive Committee consisting of Carl Anderson, Dick Flucke, and Lee Bedford, proceeded to award the fourth convention to Oklahoma City and the fifth to San Diego.

For the second time in a mere 10-year period, the convention returned to Memphis for another outstanding historical event!

39th General Chairman Carl and Jean McCarver had served as Services Chairman for the 29th National in Memphis in 1980 under the leadership of Roger and Mary Ann Reynolds; thus, were well versed in the production of this gigantic convention, plus they had the necessary time, experience, and ambition to assure one more spectacular square dance event in Memphis.

The McCarvers were ably assisted by Ed and Martha Cole plus a dynamic board of directors that assured the 23,651 dancers in attendance a great time. Memphis being on the river made their logo of “Load the Boat” was applicable and appropriately called the Anchor Board. They placed their bid for the convention in Indianapolis in 1986 against three other bidding cities, and were extremely jubilant when the announcement was made on Saturday night that the convention would return to Memphis in 1990.

Segments of the 39th National were aired nationwide via TNN Nashville Network “Starcatcher” and the 39th also organized a special luncheon for the existing previous boards of directors whose General Chairmen were still active on the National Executive Committee. The required number of panels and seminars were scheduled with a “Lighthouse” theme, and many tours were successfully scheduled and conducted. The special event was the famous Carl Crain singers with a barbecue dinner on Wednesday night for the entertainment of the early arrivals.