July 19 Will Be a Busy Day for Lions

Part of the team that volunteers at the Westport Lions Reuse and Recycle Centre.

Westport Lions Roar

By Lion Bob Reddick

This Saturday, July 19^th, will be a busy day for the Westport Lions. Starting at noon, the club will host Westfest at the Lions’ Beach until 4:00 p.m. The musical entertainment will be provided by Chicken Pickin, a band specializing in new, classic, and outlaw country music. The band has played several times at The Cove and always delivers a great show. Members of the band include Shawn and Dave McCullough, Zach Teal and Tractor Tom Uhryniw. Hamburgers, Oktoberfest sausages, hot dogs and coleslaw will be available to purchase. Admission is free, thanks to Lion Marty Hawkins, who is sponsoring the event, so bring your lawn chair and enjoy a day at the beach.

On the same day, eight Lions and one volunteer will manage the entrance gates at the Athens Lions Farmersville Exhibition, taking place at Centennial Park and Centre 76 in Athens. Since 1985, it has been a long-standing tradition for the Westport Lions to assist our neighbouring club on Saturday morning. The exhibition runs from the evening of July 18^th to the 20^th. There will be something for everyone, even dancing tractors on Sunday. Other feature events include tractor and truck pulls, live music, children’s amusements, chainsaw carving, vendors and crafters, and a display of antique tractors, trucks and equipment.

The Westport Lions Reuse and Recycle Centre (R & R), now in its fifth year of operation and located at 5295 Salem Road, continues to be a great source of revenue for the club. Thanks to the outstanding community support and the twenty-five dedicated volunteers, the center is open every Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. “Each day brings in new treasures and attracts new and repeat customers,” says co-manager Jeannette Harper, who oversees the R & R alongside Lions Danny Lewis and Wayne (Smokey) Sherwood.

The Canada Day committee and Westport Lions would like to extend their gratitude to Rideau Valley Hearth and Home for sponsoring the Adam Knapp Band at the beach on Canada Day. The band was a fantastic addition to the celebration and was enjoyed by all. Rideau Valley Hearth and Home has served the Rideau Lakes area since 1994 and specializes in high-quality wood and gas zone heating systems. You can visit at their showroom located at 20 Whalen Street in Westport.