Canadian country singer Duane Steele performed in front of a sold out audience at the Elks Hall in McLennan Jan. 23. The event was organized by Smoky River FCSS as part of the second anniversary celebration of Ol' Tyme Family Night.

Peace Country singing sensation Duane Steele's recent performance at the McLennan Elks Hall was well worth the price of admission. The Hines Creek native, well recognized as one of Canada's top country recording artists and songwriters, literally raised the roof off the hall Jan. 23 during a one-of-a-kind concert experience which left the crowd of 200 grinning from ear to ear. "People have been stopping us on the street and telling us what a great time they had," says Penny Fox, director for Smoky River Family & Community Support Services. "It was an absolutely amazing night." Proof of that statement was evident from one corner of the Elks Hall to the other as residents both young and old were treated to an evening of fantastic food, socializing, dancing and great music. "From the young boys who were struming on their air guitars in the back row of the hall to the couples who hardly ever left the dance floor, it was a night that brought the community together," says Fox, adding it was nice to see families take advantage of the opportunity to have fun together. The event, organized to celebrate the second anniversary of Ol Tyme Family Night, included on-stage performance by a number talented musicians from the region in addition to a supper catered by the McLennan Order of Royal Purple and McLennan Curling Club. "The ladies did an excellent job on the meal. It was delicious." But the real highlight of the night came when Steele, a Hines Creek native, and his band took centre stage. "It's difficult to find an entertainer who understands small communities and can do a show for such a wide variety of ages, but Duane certainly proved it could be done," says Fox. "Duane and his band really enjoyed the audience and family atmosphere. People were amazed at how friendly Duane and his band were and that he took the time to stop and talk to people and thank them for coming." The concept behind Ol Tyme Family Nite's originally began as an idea and morphed into something which has exceeded all initial expectations. As of Jan. 23, 2009, the event reached a milestone number with over 5,000 people attending the event over a two-year period. Ol Tyme Family Nite was successfully launched in 2006 by FCSS community development coordinator Jean Moore after the organization tapped into “New Horizons” funding through Social Development Canada to help subsidize the weekly event. Financial support also rolled in from a number of other outlets, including AADAC, the Chamber of Commerce, our municipalities and the public, ultimately proving that anything is possible when communities work together. "A local resident mentioned that he sure missed the old time family dances that used to be held in every community when he was younger. These were events where local talent was featured and the whole family could participate at a location where smoking and alcohol was prohibited. Jean caught on to the idea and “Ol Tyme Family Nite” began," Fox explains. The first event took place at the McLennan Legion Hall on a cold January night two years ago and proved to be an overwhelming success, something which Fox touched on in her formal address to the crowd Jan. 23. "We're here tonight to celebrate and to say thank-you to everyone for sharing hundreds of hours of music, helping to set up and clean up the hall, helping with the snacks, telling friends and family to take part, hauling equipment, taking out the trash. It has taken a lot of work to keep this event going, but more important the people who come out every Friday night are the real push that has Ol’ Tyme Family Night going strong" said Fox, who also acknowledged the ongoing dedication and commitment of Moore to keep the event firing on all cylinders. She says she often refers to the region's musicians as magicians, recognizing the importance their contributions to people’s lives through Ol Tyme Family Nite. "This event makes people feel better; it gets people out and about and moving and, like magic, it brings with it lots of smiles and surprises too. Magic is truly happening!" she says. The 2nd Anniversary celebration originally scheduled to take place at the Cheavaliers Centre in Falher, was moved to McLennan as a result of slow ticket sales in the beginning. "We had to sell 300 tickets to make it viable to stay in Falher and the sales were just not there," Fox explains, adding that ticket sales improved considerably after the announcement the venue was moving to McLennan – probably due in part to a big improvement in the weather. Special thanks goes out to everyone who helped promote and support the event.