Fundraiser planned for Dance memorial

The tragic event of 1938, which took place Thanksgiving Day (Oct. 10) in Dance Township, is being brought to the forefront of current events once again.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of that great fire, which claimed 17 lives and changed a community forever.
Residents and families of those lost in the fire have been working hard for the past two years to organize a fitting memorial to remember the victims of that fateful day.
The monument will be located on Highway 613 North in Dance Township on the original homestead of Frank LaBelle, who lost his daughter, two sisters-in-law, and nine nieces and nephews in the fire.
After many months of planning and excavation, the site is now ready for the next step.
Funding for this project has been done strictly through donations, in the form of volunteer labour, materials, and money. But in order to have the memorial completed in time for the anniversary, further donations are needed.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, mail your contribution to Sadie Smith, R.R.2, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0 or Donna Haglin, P.O. Box 115, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0. If you are able to help by volunteering some time, contact Haglin at 482-2837.
To help raise money for the memorial, a fundraising concert featuring “Country Blend” will be held Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Emo Legion.
Tickets cost $20, which are available at various locations throughout the district.
To further honour and remember those lost in the fire, as well as those who survived, a book detailing the Dance fire, written by Neil McQuarrie, is nearing completion.
Pre-orders are now being taken by committee members by e-mailing info@dancefire1938.com or by contacting Karen Kellar (486-3657).
The unveiling of the memorial is planned for Friday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. at the site, with a reception to follow at the Dance Hall. Everyone is welcome.
If possible, please advise if you will be attending by calling Haglin (482-2837).