By ALEXANDER SIMONE

Staff writer

With Marion Advancement Campaign’s annual dinner on Saturday, regular attendee Roger Hannaford is already looking forward to loosening up during the event.

“There are banquets where you’re in a suit and tie, and it’s pretty stuffy,” he said. “This has the right element of a fun evening.”

Providing a setting for residents to relax and have fun while promoting the Marion community is a big part of the night’s goal, said MAC board member Gene Winkler.

“We don’t require a dress code or anything,” he said. “It’s just there to have a good time.”

The event is in its 15th year, but it has increased in popularity in the last three or four years. That’s thanks in part to placing a larger emphasis on entertainment, Winkler said.

“We found it does better if you can bring some good entertainment,” he said. “People feel more obligated or want to come then.”

“Each year we do it is a little more successful.”

It will be the third time featuring HiFi Productions, dueling pianists out of Wichita.

Hannaford didn’t know what to expect when he heard about the dueling pianos before their first performance. Now, he’s a fan.

“I’d seen dueling pianos in a bar atmosphere,” he said. “If we’re going to have them here is that going to be good or not? Once those guys got going they were so good, and they got the crowd in a frenzy.”

What sets pianists Dave Damm and Paul Bowen apart is that they put on an interactive performance, Hannaford said.

“You’re not going to fall asleep at your table by an orchestra or somebody playing some songs,” he said. “They play very upbeat music that’s modern and you can sing along with.”

Finding caterers in the area goes hand-in-hand with promoting the Marion community, Winkler said.

“It helps out everybody any time you can get local people to do it,” he said. “You’re going to pay somebody to do it. Why not do it so your local people are benefiting?”

Last year’s event was catered by Carlson’s Grocery, while this year’s meal will be handled by Josh Tajchman.

“It gives you a warmer feeling that they’re using local people,” Hannaford said.