The flying vane, the showbasket, the oxbow loop - exhilarating thrill rides at your local carnival or intricate square dancing moves performed by a lively group of professionals all over the United States?

Meet Calico and Boots American Folk and Square Dance Performance Team. Based in the Boulder area and born out of the University of Colorado (they've been on their own for decades, though), this dynamic group of 15-20 performers has danced at community festivals, county fairs, conventions and dance and cultural events all over the United States for over 60 years. They've even represented the United States at national and international festivals.

And on Saturday, Oct. 17, they'll show off their moves on the main stage at Refuge Roundup at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. as part of the 3 rd annual free family celebration of Western heritage at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

So what can you expect from Calico & Boots?

"A lot of movement, color, and energy," says Kitty Campbell, a member of the group. "We would like people to feel that they had been entertained by us, and take away with them the impression that square dancing is fun, interesting, and lively."

It's hard not to be captivated by Calico & Boots' impressive array of aerial maneuvers and flawless execution of intricate footwork patterns - not to mention the long, full dresses worn by the ladies that whip through the air and the colorful fringed shirts worn by the gents. After all, that's how they got their name - Calico from the pattern on the dresses, boots on the quick feet of the gents.

So, the flying vane, the showbasket, and the oxbow loop... Thrill rides or intricate square dancing moves? Why can't the answer be both? When you watch Calico & Boots strut their stuff and show off their most exciting aerial figures, your heart is sure to be racing, and you just might feel the need to start stomping your own boots. That's what a good thrill ride should do.

Refuge Roundup 2009 takes place at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To get to the Refuge, take I-70 and exit north on Havana St. The public entrance to the Refuge is at 56 th Ave. and Havana. For more information, call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 303-289-0930, or visit online at http://www.fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal/.