University of Manitoba English Professor David Arnason knew he was going to be featured in a special edition of Prairie Fire, but what he didn't realize was that getting roasted at a special event on May 12 was also going to be part of the deal.

"I didn't realize until just before what this was going to be," Arnason said of the roast/fundraiser held at the Quality Inn with about 100 people in attendance.

"It's a little like attending your own funeral and hearing everyone say good things about you, I didn't ever expect this to happen."

Prairie Fire managing editor Andris Taskans said they have been working on putting together an Arnason issue of Prairie Fire for over two years now.

"Arnason has so many friends, colleagues and students that love and admire him. It seemed to be the most logical thing in the world."

When an earlier fundraiser planned by Prairie Fire had to be postponed, Taskans said it made sense to turn Arnason's book launch into a full blown roast and fundraiser.

"We raised $2,000 which for us is pretty good," Taskans said. "We're a charitable nonprofit agency so we rely on donations and fundraising along with the sales of books and subscriptions."

Taskans also credited Arnason for allowing them to piggyback the fundraising effort with the book launch and roast.

Prairie Fire has featured writers with a University of Manitoba connection in the past including Professor Emeritus Carol Shields, English Professor Dennis Cooley and English Senior Scholar George Amabile.

The issue featuring Arnason is now on store shelves.

by Dale Barbour
Public Affairs