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Date: 5/30/2023
SPRINGFIELD — To support the Black Rose Irish dancers’ trip to the national championships, an online raffle fundraiser will take place on June 6.
Ten dancers from the Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance between the ages of 7 and 22 will compete against dancers from North America including the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The national championships will take place in Nashville during the week of July 4.
Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance owner Bridget Barcomb said this championship will be the biggest one since the start of COVID-19, with over 5,000 dancers.
Last year’s championship took place in Canada with only one qualified dancer from Black Rose. Now, there are 10.
The goal of the online fundraiser is to cover the registration fee for the dancers as well as some travel expenses for their families.
Barcomb said this is the first year they have put on a fundraiser and are hoping it will be successful.
At the end of the dance year, Barcomb said they host a family night — on June 6 — and the winners from the raffle will be pulled that evening. By hosting the raffle fundraiser online, people can participate and win without being present. “[You] don’t have to be there and you can still show support,” Barcomb shared.
There are currently two raffles going on including a 50/50, with baskets, gifts cards and a lottery tree to win, among other items.
To purchase raffle tickets, call Barcomb at 413-209-8990.