In October of 1985, the Holdover County Board of Public Order adopted Ordinance EC-3:4 as an emergency measure, prohibiting "unlicensed rhythmic movement in gatherings of six or more persons." There was no public comment period, no findings, and no stated reason. The Board has never explained what prompted it. The record of that session remains sealed. A citizen inquiry opened later that month was never completed, and its materials were never returned to the county clerk.
For 41 years, a generation of Holdover residents has followed a rule without an explanation. Contingent upon receipt of the number of verified signatures required under county code, the Board has agreed to continue the hearing on Ordinance EC-3:4 on October 24th at 5:00 p.m. Sign below to enter your name into the record. Petitioners with verified signatures will receive further instructions.
Signing is only the first step. Ordinance EC-3:4 has no authority beyond county limits, so on the evening of the hearing, verified petitioners will cross over the county line and gather on the other side, where these laws don't apply. We intend to show the Board that dancing isn't dangerous—that a room full of neighbors can gather together in song and dance and return home safely.
