Kick Up Your Boots for a Cause: Yolo Crisis Nursery’s Barn Dance Returns with MoonShine Crazy

Mark your calendars and dust off your cowboy boots! The Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery invite you to an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, food, and fun at the 5th annual Barn Dance Fundraiser on Saturday, October 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Central Park Pavilion in Davis.
This lively community event raises critical funds for the Yolo Crisis Nursery, which has been protecting children and preserving families since 2001. All proceeds support the Nursery’s vital programs, including free, 24/7 childcare for children from birth through age five when parent(s) are facing a serious challenge. Simultaneously, our family-strengthening services help parents overcome life’s toughest trials while mapping out a road map to a safe and stable future for their family.
This year’s Barn Dance is turning up the volume with MoonShine Crazy, one of Northern California’s premier modern country-rock bands. Based in Sacramento, the group is known for their high-energy shows, original songwriting, and dynamic stage presence.
Since forming in 2015, MoonShine Crazy has performed alongside country superstars like Luke Bryan, Bailey Zimmerman, Ashley McBryde, Shaboozey, and Deana Carter. Their 2024 performance at the GoldenSky Music Festival showcased their big-stage talent and confirmed they’re a must-see live band. They also shared stages with national headliners including Lonestar, Chris Lane, Tyler Rich, and Craig Campbell, bringing their mix of country roots and rock edge to thousands of fans.
The Barn Dance is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of community spirit with plenty of fun for everyone. Guests can look forward to:
- Free line dancing lessons with local favorite Kirsten Ferries of Yolo Line Dancing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, Kirsten’s lessons will get you moving in step with the music.
- Cash prize raffles, with tickets available for $10 each or three for $25. Winners will be announced around 8 p.m.
- Fun games like the Rattlin’ Rope Toss, sponsored by Clark Pacific.
- Delicious food and drink, including mouthwatering meals from Buckhorn BBQ (available for pre-purchase, with a limited number sold at the event).
Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best western attire to fully embrace the festive barn dance atmosphere.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, October 18
- Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
- Location: Central Park Pavilion, Davis
- Tickets: $35, available online at yolocrisisnursery.org or at the event. UC Davis students receive a $10 discount with promo code UCD25 (student ID required at check-in).
Parking will be available at the City Hall Lot at 23 Russell Boulevard. If you plan to enjoy drinks at the event, we encourage you to carpool, use Uber, Lyft, or another safe ride option.
Sponsors make this event possible, and we are deeply grateful for their generous support. A very special thank-you goes to Nugget Markets, our returning Premier Sponsor of the Barn Dance, whose commitment to our community and the Yolo Crisis Nursery makes a tremendous difference. We are also thankful to Morse Custom Homes & Remodeling for sponsoring desserts, Clark Pacificfor sponsoring the Rattlin’ Rope Toss, and Kirsten Ferries with Yolo Line Dancing for sponsoring the free dance lessons that bring such joy to the evening.
Beyond the fun and festivities, the Barn Dance has a deeper purpose: supporting vulnerable children and families in Yolo County. The Yolo Crisis Nursery delivers vital services that keep children safe and support families in need. The Nursery provides nurturing care for young children while offering parents the guidance and resources they need to overcome challenges. As demand for these services continues to grow, the Nursery has relocated to a new, larger home thanks to the generosity of our community of donors and supporters. This expanded facility allows the Nursery to serve three times as many children, hire additional staff, and provide families with a wider range of resources and support.
With these exciting changes come increased costs and a greater need for ongoing community support. By attending the Barn Dance, you help ensure the Nursery can continue its mission of protecting children, preserving families, and strengthening our community. Together, we can make sure that no child in Yolo County goes without the safe care and support they deserve.
If you’d like to make an impact beyond attending the event, there are many ways to get involved. You can donate online at yolocrisisnursery.org or join the Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery, the volunteer group that makes our fundraisers possible.
The Friends group meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Volunteers enjoy both the camaraderie of working with like-minded community members and the satisfaction of making a tangible difference for vulnerable children and families. For more information or to volunteer, email friends@yolocrisisnursery.org.
The Yolo Crisis Nursery Barn Dance is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a night to come together as a community, dance, eat, laugh, and celebrate while supporting an essential cause.
So grab your boots, round up your friends, and join us at the Central Park Pavilion on October 18 for an evening in support of the Yolo Crisis Nursery.-Sharon Schauer, Chair, Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery
