Red Bates began calling in 1950 while a student in Springfield College in Massachusetts. Up to 1991, most of his calling was concentrated in the Northeast where he actively called throughout the area while working as a teacher and later as a guidance director in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. During this time, he was on staff at most of the major festivals and conventions in the United States. He has called square dances both in Canada and England.

After moving to Florida in 1991, Red has put most of his energies into the advancement of square dancing in both the Venice and Fort Myers areas. He teaches and calls about 15 sessions per week from Basic through C-1.

Red returns to his roots from May though September where he still calls throughout New England and New York. His very well known October "Tumbling Leaves Festival" in Bennington VT is now in its 18th year and still drawing a strong following.

Red is a member of Callerlab, an organization that oversees this activity worldwide. He is a past vice-chairman, has served on the board of directors for ten years, and spent five years on the executive committee. He is also a member of the Florida West Coast Callers Association, the Suncoast Callers Association, and the Florida Callers Association.

Back to the Tumbling Leaves Festival Flyer