KSDA Hall of fame

Taking square dance lessons instructed by Pat Patterson in 1979, Forrest and Pat have been square dancing for 40 years. Graduating, they joined the Top-Kan Twirlers Square Dance Club, Topeka. Serving in almost all of the offices and committees, Forrest and Pat were Presidents of Top Kans for 7 years, Travel Chairmen 14 years, and Decoration Chairmen 10 years. When the Top Kan Twirlers merged into the Friendship Squares of Topeka, they joined and now support them.

They were active in the Northeast District, with a 30 year attendance at most of the District meetings and functions. Forrest and Pat were club delegates to the Northeast District for five years and Recording Secretary for 2 years. Serving on various Northeast District committees, Forrest and Pat were the Tenderfoot Decoration Chairmen for three years when the dances were held in the Topeka Municipal Auditorium.

Not realizing that John and Janet Rothrock were KSDA Secretaries, Pat boldly stated, “I’d like to get my hands on that magazine!” when the Travel On dance calendar was printed incorrectly. Five days later they accepted the Assistant Editor’s position. Discovering he had an Assistant, the Editor resigned and Pat got her wish. That started Forrest and Pat on a 28 year great trip as KSDA Travel On Editors. In the production of the Travel On, Forrest provided the technical aspects and did all the fun things. Pat provided most of the labor and was the champion in striving for excellence to earn three First Place Awards.

Serving 34 years on or for the KSDA Council, they served 2 years as KSDA Treasurer and are finishing 7 years as Co-Chairman of the KSDA Hall of Fame Committee. They are currently serving as KSDA Parliamentarian. Forrest and Pat were Kansas State Convention Dancer Coordinators for 3 years, wrapping up a 34 year continuous membership on the Convention Committee. They have attended 36 State Conventions.

When Kansas decided to bid to host a National Convention, Forrest and Pat volunteered and served four years as Bid Team Publicity Chairmen. In 2004 in Denver, CO., Kansas received the honor to host a National Convention in 2008, in Wichita. They served on the Sunflower Board for the 57th NSDC as Publicity Chairman and Vice Chairman, Media Breakfast. As Vice-Chairman of Cookbook, they produced, printed and created the artwork for the Promenade of Prairie Cooking Cookbook. They also were Budget Committee members. From 2004-2012, Forrest and Pat were Directors on the 57th NSDC “Promenade On The Prairie”, Inc. Board. They were KSDA delegates to the United Square Dancers of America four times. For the enjoyment of the Kansas dancers and “adopted” Kansans, Forrest and Pat coordinated and hosted the “Kansas Dinner at the National” for 16 years. They have attended 25 National Square Dance Conventions® and are registered for the 67th NSDC in Kansas City, in 2018.

They attended 14 Nebraska Prairie Conclaves and were presenters at the Sunflower Conclave. They also served on a panel at the first USA West Convention.

Forrest and Pat have spent countless hours in dedication to KSDA and the Travel On publication. For many years, they have provided a strong leadership role in Local, District, State, and National areas. No matter the situation or event, this couple could always be counted on to help out where needed and to promote square dancing.