by Sharon Jackson
KAGAWONG—An enthusiastic crowd clad in poodle skirts, high school letter sweaters, bell bottom pants and leg warmers grooved to the tunes of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70S and ‘80s at a Spring Wing Ding fundraiser dance held at the Park Centre this past Saturday evening.
Organizers Don and Jan Bainbridge, along with Sandy Cook and Ted Kilpatrick, are in their second full year with the Angel Bus which provides transportation for West End seniors. To date, they have enjoyed attending over 60 events such as school concerts, the annual Providence Bay Fair and many church and community activities.
A mirror ball hung from the ceiling set the mood to relieve disco fever and kept people on their feet dancing to songs like ‘Macho Man’ by the Village People.
Disc jockey John Rozon spun vinyl 45s bringing back memories of sock hops, peace signs, ‘Disco sucks’ t-shirts, slow songs at high school dances and big hair.
Elvis, Tom Jones and Bachman Turner Overdrive hits were played throughout the evening bringing smiles to the faces of everyone on the dance floor.
Tickets were sold for $2 each or 10 for $10 for a chance to win prizes generously donated by local businesses. Winners included a sunset dinner cruise for two on the Chi-Cheemaun, Jim Chambers; dinner for two at the Schoolhouse Restaurant, Eva Black; two nine hole rounds at Manitoulin Island Country Club, Charlene Chambers and Mike Coomes; one overnight stay at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, Dan Marois; 2 or 3 hour rental from Northwind Adventures, Louis Couillard; 12 cubic yards of crushed gravel from H & R Noble Construction, a very thrilled Nora Haring; Stihl gas powered trimmer, Jeanine Phillips; one hour sightseeing plane ride over the Island, Susie Harrison; and an original North Channel watercolour painting by Kagawong’s own Richard Edwards, Dianne Fraser.
A light lunch provided by Burt Farm Meats, and sweet treats made by four Island churches—Island Community Church, Lyon’s Memorial United Church, St John’s Anglican Church, St Paul’s on the Hill United Church and the Angel Bus Committee—was enjoyed over lively conversation and coffee.
“This is awesome,” stated several people who attended. “The Spring Wing Ding created a relaxed and happy atmosphere for the different age generations; it was really nice to see the generations come together.”
Mr. Kilpatrick thanked everyone for their support in coming to the dance to “help the Angel Bus survive another year.”
Ms. Cook shared with the Expositor following the dance that they plan to make it an annual event and are considering offering prizes for the best dressed as there were quite a number of people dressed in popular fashions of the day.
