These boots were made for walking: a guide to getting on the Country side of life

While being a country fan in Oberlin may seem hard, there are really many ways to stay on the cutting edge. The following are a few starters.

You too can tune in to country music. There's country music to be found up and down the dial. WOBL (1320 AM) is Oberlin's very own country station. WOBL is an all-request station that's more than happy to send out a Crystal Gayle tune at 3 a.m. WQMX (94.9 FM) broadcasts the chart-toppers from Akron 96.1 FM is the baby of the country stations. The station introduced its format of old country songs mixed with today's hits just two years ago. The Country Music Assoication recently named WGAR (99.5) the station of the year. WGAR is a polished production, complete with contests, concert information and top-ten countdowns. Sunday nights from 9 p.m. - midnight, Bill Freidrichs takes his country oldies show to the airwaves.

The Euclid Beach Grad Ballroom is the site of some of the best country line dancing in Northern Ohio. And it is in a non-alcoholic atmosphere. The dancing happend Monday-Thursday, and Fridays with nights set aside for beginners and lessons. Located in Kirtland on Route 306. Call 440-256-5006 for more information.

Kick up your heels at the Boot Scootin' Saloon. The North Ridgeville saloon, known to local country fans as the Boot Two, is the hottest place to line dance west of Lake Erie. The Saloon offers lessons and a giant dance floor on which to strut your stuff. It also has such perks as free chicken wings and an upstairs karaoke bar. Call (216)353-0999 for more information.

I brake for the Singing Brakeman. Jimmie Rodgers, popularly acknowledged as the father of country music, was celebrated at a concert at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. Although Ricky Skaggs and Iris DeMent have left the building, there is a photo exhibit honoring Rodgers. Rodgers was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year.

With all this dancing, you will soon be hankerin' for some real cowboy boots and clothes to go with them. Ranch House Western Wear offered a huge selection of the best Country-wear. Located in Akron on Buchholzer Blvd. Call 330-630-3455 for more information.