Fire company's annual block dance Saturday, Aug. 8

MILLERTON — Supporters of the Millerton Fire Company should mark their calendars ahead a week. Contrary to what you may have read here in The Millerton News, or heard about around town, the department’s annual block dance has been moved up to this Saturday, Aug. 8.

 â€œIt was originally supposed to be on the 15th, but the band couldn’t make it,â€� explained volunteer Mariley Najdek.

The band  is Natural Gas from  Rhinebeck, which has played at the event for the last few years.

 â€œThey’re very entertaining,â€� Najdek said. “They really know how to work the crowd.â€�

Technically admission is free to the event, but a $1 donation in the form of a raffle ticket is suggested to help the fire company with expenses. First prize for the drawing, which will take place on Aug. 15, is $300; second is $200, third is $100.

 Food and refreshments will be served up: hungry dancers can help themselves to the usual hamburgers and hotdogs, with sides of french fries and onion rings.  All proceeds to the dance will benefit the fire company and its endeavors, including scholarship funding and sending children to Camp DeBruce in the Adirondacks.

 The block dance is the company’s largest single fundraiser of the year, and along with the pancake breakfasts account for a large amount of funding coming in to assist the the 100 percent volunteer squad. Najdek pointed out that funds so far are down from last year, and is hoping for a good turnout on Saturday.

 â€œI just think it’s a nice way to come and support the community,â€� she said. “They are there for us 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. It’s a nice way for people to come and say hello and thank you very much. It’s always a good opportunity to meet neighbors and catch up with people they haven’t seen lately. The kids have a wonderful time, and everybody dances. Let’s just hope the weather permits!â€�

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