Miss Farmington Contra Dance Raises Funds for Homeless Vets

During her reign as Miss Farmington, which comes to an end in July, Elise Newcomer has spent a lot of time doing two things: dancing and raising money for charity. 

On Sunday afternoon, she'll combine the two, hosting a contra dance at the in Farmington that will benefit a non-profit that helps homelss veterans in Detroit. Previous dances, which Newcomer describes as similar to a square dance, have raised hundreds of dollars for Sweet Dreamzzz, which educates kids about good sleep habits, and Joy Southfield Development Corporation, which benefits residents in a Detroit neighborhood. 

A year ago, Newcomer said, she didn't know where the American Legion Post was, much less what its members do. She hopes bringing the contra dances there will help raise awareness for the organization.

"It's a great part of our community," she said. "I think it doesn't get enough attention." 

About 30 or 40 people of all ages show up for the contra dances, Newcomer said, from the Farmington and Ann Arbor areas. Two more are scheduled in May and June; the May 6 event will be a celebration of Newcomer's 16th birthday. Contra dancing is how she celebrated her birthday last year, and dance is playing a significant role in her college search. 

"I love dancing," she said. "And I love dancing with kids."

Newcomer has had the chance to do that at Daddy-Daughter and Mother-Son Dances held at the in Farmington Hills, a highlight of her activities over the past nine months. Newcomer said she always got out on the floor to dance. "I'm not at the event to sit on the sidelines and look pretty," she said. 

Newcomer said she doesn't have an interest in applying for the Miss Oakland County program. Starting with an orientation meeting in May, she will help the new crop of Miss Farmington contestants learn the local pageant ropes and what it means to hold the title.

For Newcomer, being Miss Farmington is all about making the commuinty a better place. 

"The orientation is May 5," she said. "Their first event will be coming to my dance."

The April 22 dance starts at 12:30 p.m. with a lesson for beginners, followed by the dance at 1 p.m. Live music will be provided by Fiddlefire. Admission is $5 for students, $10 for adults.