Families across the region will work up a sweat on the dance floor this weekend to give back to the community. Turner Valley’s United Church in the Valley is hosting its annual Old Time Family Dance, encouraging people of all ages to hit the dance floor in a fundraiser that supports outreach programs through the church. The dance takes place Sept. 22 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Flare ‘n’ Derrick Community Hall in Turner Valley. “This dance helps raise both awareness and financial support for other forms of joyful outreach like our family fun night and jacket racket, along with new initiatives this year with our youth group starting in September,” said Matthew Heesing, student minister at the United Church in the Valley. The dance features fiddle music by the Gates Family Band, live dessert auction, concession and opportunities for other fiddlers to perform. “We encourage the young and old alike to come out and have fun,” said Heesing. “It’s really neat to see all ages dancing together. There will be opportunities to learn different dances throughout the evening.” For those who are single, Heesing said there will be partners to spare and mini group dances like the Virginia Reel and Sasha folk dance. “If you don’t dance you’re still welcome to enjoy the music,” he said. “With toe tapping to two-stepping, there is something for everyone.” Last year’s dance, which had 120 attendees, raised more than $1,500 for the church’s Jacket Racket program where people donate gently used winter clothing for those in need, monthly Family Fun Nights where families connect over physical fitness and sports in the Turner Valley School gymnasium and a new youth group beginning this month. It also offsets rental fees for community groups that utilize the building. “This event is one of the prime ways that we raise awareness and financial support programs,” he said. “We want to keep our current ministries going and try to find other ways we can share joyful outreach in the community.” Tickets cost $10 at the door. Youth ages 16 and under are free. For more information call 403-933-4114 or email [email protected]
