[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E890-E891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE NEW AUTHORITY OF THE TENNESSEE OLD-TIME MUSIC AND DANCE 
  ASSOCIATION TO BESTOW THE TITLE OF THE NATIONAL BUCKDANCING CHAMPION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2023

  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a cultural 
staple in Middle Tennessee that has left an indelible mark on the 
history of the Volunteer State for over a century. Each year, 
communities across Tennessee unite in celebration of the rich tradition 
of rhythmic flatfoot buckdancing through the National Buckdancing 
Championship.
  The annual National Buckdancing Championship has recently experienced 
a change of venue, with the Tennessee Old-Time Music and Dance 
Association now shouldering the responsibility of commemorating this 
time-honored tradition. Through their production of the Thomas Maupin 
Festival, affectionately known as MaupinFest, in Unionville, Tennessee, 
the Tennessee Old-Time Music and Dance Association has played a pivotal 
role in preserving this significant piece of American cultural 
heritage. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Uncle Dave 
Macon Days Association, who diligently oversaw the National Buckdancing 
Championship annually since 1986 when Congress entrusted them with this 
duty, up until 2019. Since its inception in 2019, the Tennessee Old-
Time Dance Association has organized MaupinFest and has continued to 
bestow the title of National Buckdancing Champion on behalf of Uncle 
Dave Macon Days. In light of this transition in production, the Uncle 
Dave Macon Days Association has expressed their desire to transfer the 
responsibility for the National Buckdancing Championship permanently to 
the Tennessee Old-Time Music and Dance Association.
  MaupinFest aims to pay tribute to Mr. Maupin's dance style, which 
stands as the quintessential representation of traditional Tennessee 
rhythmic flatfoot buckdancing, distinct from the more common clogging. 
Mr, Maupin's old-time buckdancing style merits preservation as a 
cherished Tennessee treasure. Therefore, I proudly announce that 
henceforth, the title of National Old-Time Buckdancing Champion will be 
conferred by the Tennessee Old-Time Music and Dance Association. This 
ensures that this historical American art form receives the recognition 
it so rightfully deserves.

[[Page E891]]

  

                          ____________________