World-famous Danceland has been welcoming visitors for almost 90 years. The historic structure has welcomed big band acts from 40's, rock 'n roll legends, polka kings, and country music acts from Nashville. There is even the famous rumour that The King himself, Elvis Presley, once graced the stage with his blue suede shoes along Hank Snow in 1953.
Today, Danceland still welcomes acts from all over North America and continues to be a major tourist attraction for the resort community of Manitou Beach and the province. When you combine it with Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa, Manitou & District Regional Park, a 9-hole golf course, a drive-in movie theatre, numerous art galleries, and of course the legendary unsinkable waters of Little Manitou Lake, you have one of the 'must-see' destinations in all of Saskatchewan. But being a large concert hall on the shores of a closed-basin lake on the prairies does come with some challenges.
Though the recent high water levels on Little Manitou Lake have started to rescind since the start of 2017, water did accumulate beneath the structure forcing the ownership with expensive repairs to the piles that hold the building in place.
Owner Millie Strueby said they have a goal of $350,000 to make the necessary repairs. "Phase one, we had done that in September, which was jacking and leveling of the building, and we can really tell the difference here, but more work needs to be done," Strueby said. "So that's one of the reasons why we're doing fundraising events such as galas."
Strueby said in a recent interview with 620 CKRM. Strueby said they formed a committee, a committee formed to raise funds in order to 'save Danceland.' "We would hate to lose a thing of the past, something that made Manitou Beach what it is today," Strueby said. "We would hate to lose that building, so that's why we're trying our very hardest to try to keep it going, trying to keep the building intact."
Danceland still welcomes acts from all over North America and continues to be a major tourist attraction for the resort community of Manitou Beach and the province.
The 'Save Danceland' committee has hosted a couple of fundraising galas in the fall of 2018. One event was a swinging 20's themed while the most recent event feature music by Blake Berglund along with a banquet.
Even faced with the huge cost, ownership continues to do what it can to keep the hall active. One such thing is hosting weddings and conferences in the area.
2019 is a significant year in Manitou Beach as it is the Resort Village's 100th Birthday. With many events going on throughout the year, make sure to stop in and take in an event at Danceland. By supporting the business, we can make sure it remains part of the community and the province, hosting events for many years to come.
For more information on upcoming events visit their website www.danceland.ca
