NORTH YARMOUTH – Folk musicians and dance leaders from throughout Maine will join forces on Saturday, Nov. 29, for a full evening of dancing for the public.

At the same time, participants will be raising money for the annual DownEast Country Dance Festival scheduled next year.

The benefit dance at the Wescustogo Hall will begin with two couple-dance workshops. At 4 p.m., Jim Spicer will provide basic instruction in a Scandinavian dance known as the hambo, followed at 5 p.m. by a swing dance session led by Serafina Kiran.

After a supper break, for which attendees are asked to bring a potluck dish to share (or a $5 contribution), a 7 p.m. contradance will be led by caller John McIntire to music by the band Calliope.

At 9 p.m. the band Ti’ Acadie takes over with caller Bill Olson, and Snapdragon and caller Chrissy Fowler begin at 11 p.m. until the final waltz at 1 a.m. No prior dance experience is necessary to participate, say the organizers, and people may come with or without partners.

The tradition in Maine contradancing – which has its roots in the old-time barn dances – is to socialize and mix freely, with newcomers learning as they go along.

“It’s all about having fun while listening to some terrific live music,” says longtime dancer Lynn Plumb, who heads the nonprofit that puts on the annual DownEast Country Dance Festival. Next year, it will be March 12 and 13 at Mount Ararat Middle School in Topsham.

The 2004 festival will feature New England country (or contra) dancing as well as a wide range of other traditional dance and music genres.

Admission to the Nov. 29 benefit dance is $5 for the workshops only, $12 for just the evening contradance or $15 for both. Wescustogo Hall is on Route 115 in North Yarmouth. More information is available from Plumb at 563-8953 or at plumbnet@tidewater.net.