The 6th annual “Dancing for Special Stars,” will be held Tuesday, October 19, at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the campus of Minot State University. A reception in McFarland Gallery begins at 6:15 along with a silent auction, followed by the contest at 7 p.m., and a “Meet and Greet the Dancers” after the show, according to information provided by MSU.

This Special Olympics fundraising event has paired area celebrities with dance instructors in a contest patterned after the popular “Dancing with the Stars” television program. Each couple will perform a dance of their choice. Audience members will cast their votes for their favorite couple(s) with their checkbooks. Every dollar donated, including those used to purchase admission tickets, count as a point, and the couple with the most points will be declared the winner. At the end of the evening, the Mirror Ball Trophy winning couple will be announced.

“We are extremely excited to be able to hold this event again in Minot. Dancing for Special Stars is truly a wonderful fundraiser for Special Olympics North Dakota,” said Nancy Hanson, SOND President/CEO. “It is an evening filled with lively entertainment from Minot’s very own local celebrities. Just as on television, there are opportunities to vote for the best dance couple with winners crowned at the end of the evening. We will also be showcasing some very talented individuals in our specialty acts. There is so much talent in Minot, this is an event to mark on your calendars to attend. Although we have been dealing with COVID the past year and a half, Special Olympics North Dakota has not stopped offering opportunities to our athletes. Now more than ever, we need your support to provide opportunities both with virtual and in-person sport, fitness challenges and in-person programs when and where safe to do so.” The event is sponsored in part by Enbridge and Investors Management & Marketing (IMM).

Area celebrities include Dan Anderson, Myles Barcomb, Courtenay Brekhus, Charlsie Burud, SrA Jacob Colvard, Jonah Lantto, Jon Lakoduk, Kirk Mason, and Nico Youngren. Instructors include Katy Allers, Breanna Benjamain, Tara Cheer, DeAndre Ford, McKenna Gagne, Sheree McCrea, Kayla Morgan, Brenda Tarkinton, and Kaelyn Woiton.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in advance by calling SOND at 746-0331 or purchased at the door. Campus parking is open and free to the public for the event.