TEXPACC Square Dance Convention

TEXPACC — the Texas Premier Advanced and Challenge Convention — is the state's premier event for dancers who've mastered Callerlab's advanced and challenge programs. The convention runs for three days at the Love Civic Center, with five professional callers running four concurrent halls that cover programs from A2 through C3A. It draws dancers from across the United States who travel to Paris specifically for this event.

The format

The convention kicks off Thursday evening at 7:00 PM and runs through Saturday at 10:00 PM. Each hall is dedicated to a specific Callerlab program level, and dancers move between halls based on their skill level and preference. The five callers — Vic Ceder, Ross Howell, Darryl Lipscomb, Michael Kellogg, and Tim Ploch — are among the most respected names in the advanced square dance community.

Registration pricing incentivizes early sign-ups: through September 20, a full three-day pass is $75, two days runs $65, and a single day is $45. After September 20, prices increase by $5 across all tiers, with walk-in rates slightly higher still. Dancers don't need to be from Texas — the convention has a national reputation and regularly attracts participants from coast to coast.

Why this matters for the area

Hosting a national-level convention at the Love Civic Center brings visitors, spending, and attention to Paris. Square dance conventions require a specific type of venue — large, flat floors with good acoustics, multiple divisible rooms, and proximity to hotels and restaurants — and the fact that Paris has a facility that meets those requirements speaks to the town's infrastructure.

For buyers considering homes or acreage in Lamar County, events like TEXPACC add an unexpected dimension to the area's identity. Paris isn't just rodeos and rodeo culture — it hosts specialized, niche events that draw participants from across the country. The drive from 3870 County Road 45080 to the Love Civic Center is about 20 minutes, and the convention runs across three full days in mid-October — one of the most pleasant weather windows in Northeast Texas.