Hometown girls and cousins Cheryl Bell and Katie Walter are behind Arcola's second annual Street Dance and Slow Pitch Tournament to be held this year on Saturday, Aug. 22.
“This year, the proceeds are going towards the makeover of the Mac Theatre,” says Bell. “The Optimist Club is behind it and they do so much for our town, not just with the theatre. They bring concerts and movies to the theatre and bring entertainment for everyone.”
“They've done such a great job inside the theatre-with the digital sound and the new seats-that we'd like to contribute towards the work they're doing right now to make the outside as great as the inside.”
“Last year, the street dance got rained out, so instead of having it on Main Street like we planned, we held it in Prairie Place. This year, we're really hoping we can hold the street dance right on Main Street, so people can see the theatre and the work that's been done so far.”
“Both Katie and I have businesses on each side of Main Street-me with Chapman Fine Foods and her with Colour Me Crazy-so we get to see The Mac and the progress that's made every day.”
“It's a beautiful heritage building, so we're really hoping to have the dance right on Main Street.”
“Third Degree Birnz will be our band again this year,” adds Bell. “And tickets are $20 each, with no advance ticket sales. There will also be 50-50 tickets for sale at the dance and some other fun events.”
“Last year, Rodney Cutler was our 50-50 winner and he donated his prize right back,” says Bell.
In addition to the street dance, a slow pitch tournament will be held, along with beer gardens, all at the Arcola Ball Diamond.
“Last year, we started the slow pitch tournament early, on Friday night instead of Saturday morning, due to the demand,” says Bell. “This year it's the same, so we're starting the ball Friday night at 7 p.m.”
“It was the same with volunteers. This year, I spent about two hours making phone calls and sending messages, and I got calls from 30 people right away, all offering to volunteer. That's one of the things that makes Arcola such a great place to live.”
“Moving back here from Toronto was the best decision our family ever made, and we'd just like to do our part to contribute to our community.”
Slow pitch begins Friday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Arcola ball diamonds continues through Saturday, Aug. 23, with beer gardens from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. The street dance begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Cheryl at (289)-259-5432.
