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CHESTERFIELD INLET - Hundreds of people danced away the evening at the second annual Marcel Kappi Maktar Memorial Square Dance in Chesterfield Inlet earlier this month.

Dance committee member Jimmy Qiyuk said he was proud to be part of such a wonderful event.

Musicians Mark Noah, Jimmy Qiyuk, Andy Aliyak, Chuba Innakatsik, Joe Qiyuk, Casey Tulurialik and Shawn Attungala, from left, formed the band for the second annual Marcel Kappi Maktar Memorial Square Dance in Chesterfield Inlet earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Jimmy Qiyuk

He said Maktar is remembered by the community as a very friendly person who loved to dance.

Maktar, 52, passed away on Nov. 14, 2006, after a battle with cancer.

"There were many, many people from out of town who travelled to this year's event," said Qiyuk.

"There were three charters from Rankin Inlet to Chester and the band members came in on a scheduled flight.

"We held dances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the weekend and it was packed for every one.

"There were enough band members this year that we could have played all night, but most of the people were all danced out by about 1 a.m."

Qiyuk said the community firmly supports the annual memorial dance.

He said the committee funded this year's event by holding penny sales and teenage dances.

"We hope to be able to hold some special dances in Rankin next year to help fundraise for this event.

"We expect even more people in 2009 after the great turnout we had this year, so we'll keep everyone updated as the year goes by."

Rose Mullins remembers her brother fondly and said not only did he love to square dance, but he loved to teach others how to as well.

"You could really feel his spirit in the gym with us when everyone was dancing and having such a great time," said Mullins.

"It was wonderful to watch the youth he had taught to square dance, and they were so good.

"I'm very happy the community supports this dance in my brother's memory."

Mullins said the memorial also raises money for cancer research.

She said the event raised $1,500 in 2007 and $3,000 in 2008.

"All the money goes to cancer research and we couldn't have done it without the help of so many people.

"We would like to thank the people of Chester and those who came from out of town to join us at the dance."