John Wayne and Hopalong Cassidy Danced with Us

John Wayne and Hopalong Cassidy (along with Topper) joined us for our Jan. 2 square at the Cadillac Chaparral Steakhouse! As you can see, the proof is in the pudding, and Randy, Sue, Kay, and Rich (pictured) can attest to this.

Richard Martin

You’ll find this hard to believe, but John Wayne and Hopalong Cassidy (along with Topper) joined us for our Jan. 2 square at the Cadillac Chaparral Steakhouse!

When I asked “Hoppy” if he had any words of wisdom to share with my fellow square dancers, he said that he has learned over the years that, “Some women folk have a way of changing a man’s mind without him ever knowing it.” (No argument there.) When I asked “The Duke” the same question, he told me, “Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.” Bob Asp, our square dance caller, told me he keeps telling our new square dance students the same thing.

Nancy, the owner of the Chaparral, is a gem, as she always welcomes us and clears a large area in her cowboy restaurant and saloon for us to square dance. What made it even more fun was we got to strut our stuff in front of her dining and drinking customers. After we completed each square dance tip, their applause was deafening. (Well, maybe I’m exaggerating just a bit, but one or two people did clap.)

Most of us also arrived early to partake in one of Nancy’s famous cowboy dinners. The food was delicious, and most of us ordered the best ribs to be found anywhere in the Tucson area. (Thankfully, there weren’t any repercussions on the dance floor from our dancers consuming the cowboy beans that came with our dinners.)

Are you looking for a way to stay mentally and physically active, make new friends, and have your picture taken with The Duke and Hoppy? If yes, check out the SaddleBrooke Squares on the internet.

Please note that Nancy has also hosted other SaddleBrooke clubs at her unique restaurant, which is located 10 miles west of Oracle Junction on AZ 79. So, if your club might be interested in having lunch or dinner there, give her a call.