The floor was packed with close to 100 dancers when Cane Country Squares dancers and spectators attended the 42nd Queensland State Square Dance Convention in Deception Bay from the 7th to the 9th of August 2026.
The event got underway with Bev McLachlan cueing the Round Dance session. The Friday night continued with Square Dance callers, Sid Leighton, Elaine Davis, Frances Hickson, Glenn Wilson, Nev McLachlan, Alan Evans and our own, Matthew Mills.
It is always great to see Callers getting a change to dance, and to dance with others we only see at these big functions.
This was Jo Ls first State Convention, who was keen to see first hand what we have taken on as hosts for the 2027 QLD State Convention in Bundaberg. This will mark 30 years since Cane Country Squares last hosted the event.
Ella had great fun sneaking in to a back square doubled up with Anita.
Saturday afternoon, Matt called one of the A Level bracket alternated with Plus brackets called by Elaine Davis, Glenn Wilson, Nev McLachlan and Kay Walker with Alan Evans calling the last A bracket of the session.
The next afternoon session from 2:30 - 4pm had an excellent attendance for Mainstream alternating with a few Plus brackets.
Saturday night was packed again for the theme night, dress set and banner parade. Ella and Karen carried the Cane Country Squares Banner.
Round dancing for the night was cued by Bev McLachlan and Corrine Maric.
The themes for the convention was the colours of Red, White and Blue, the same as their logo, along with, Your Highway to Fun, and Dress in Travel Theme.
Rob was at our registration table at the back of the hall for the entire weekend, assisted by Jo R and Laura who copied all 43 registrations into her spreadsheet.
Colleen Gray won the ticket purchase refund, drawn just before Matt's last bracket on Sunday.
Sunday was the last day of the convention with Plus and A from 1 - 3pm and Mainstream, Plus and Rounds from 3 - 5pm.
Matt finished his Plus level signing call with a brand new Square Dance version of an Ed Sheeran song, created with our own club member and musician, Adrian Brooks. The surprise signing call was very well received with many complements going to Matt and Adrian.
The day was very well attended and finished with an after party with sandwiches and cake.
All Cane Country Square Dancers had a fantastic weekend. See more photos of the weekend in our
2026 Photo Gallery.Well done to Elaine Davis, Glenn Wilson and all involved in the running of the 2026 Queensland State Square Dance convention.
