MALONE – Talented local artists took the stage Tuesday night, performing a show and raising money for veterans through a propane and heating oil raffle.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Performing Arts League of Malone presented Franklin County Fair attendees with a showcase of local talent at Small Town Famous, a showcase of musicians, dancers and artists from upstate.
Proceeds from this year’s show benefited Homeward Bound Adirondacks, with proceeds from the show benefiting a new veterans center on Homeward Bound Adirondacks property in the Lake Titus area of Malone.
Matt Maneely and Merrill McKee hosted the event for the third consecutive year, and McKee also performed.
“They are building a veterans’ refuge at Lake Titus. This has been planned for a long time and every cent of the money will go to helping veterans,” Maneely said.
Acts included the Preve Family, Tiffany’s Dance Studio, Josie Lamica, the Drew Crew Cloggers, the Pointless Sisters, Rebecca Penera, Matt French and Connie Legacy, while Abe Gravell’s Band closed the show after the winning lottery tickets were drawn.
PALM’s Stephanie Bannon said Wednesday that “Small Town Famous” was a success this year, with raffle tickets sold out at Tuesday’s show.
“I think it was the first time we actually sold out all the tickets, so that was a good sign,” Bannon said. “I think we had really good support from everyone this year. The American Legion helped sell the tickets and also took them to other legions.”
PALM consists of Bannon, Travis Preve, Laura Chapman and Laura Rabideau, all of whom were present at Tuesday’s show.
Bannon said she was pleased that so many people came to the show Tuesday night.
“All in all, we had quite a good audience last night and it was great that everyone came and bought tickets,” she said. “We’re very pleased about that.”
Bannon said the event helped support the show on a free day at the fairgrounds where the show was funded.
“I definitely think it helped,” she said. “People appreciate having a day off and since it was communal for everyone, I definitely think that helped, not just for our show but for all the dealers and for everyone else at the show itself.”
According to Bannon, Adirondack Energy, Arnold Oil, Collins Oil, Harris Fuels, MJ Leroux, MX Fuels and Suburban Propane donated to this year’s raffle.
The seven winners of 100 gallons of propane or heating oil in this year’s raffle were Lori Smith, Tricia Helm, Jody Southworth, Linda Fish, Mike Janisewski, Jim Benware and Sheila and Tim Conners, according to Bannon.
Homeward Bound Adirondacks, based in Saranac Lake, provides free medical treatment for veterans and their families. The organization has served veterans for 14 years and also provides transportation to medical and mental health appointments, crisis support and referral services.
