Latest news with #LionsClub
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Despite some rain, Lake Zurich's Alpine Fest celebrates 80th year, Lions Club organizers reflect on success
After 80 years of going strong, this weekend put yet another Lions Club Alpine Fest in the books. The longtime Lake Zurich festival started in 1945 as a way to celebrate the end of World War II and the community, and it's continued every year, with its small-town festival feel intact. There's funnel cakes and lemonade, beer, rides, carnival games, a parade, and, of course, a steady stream of locals coming in and out of the gates — happy to get out and celebrate the summer and the community. This year, though dimmed a bit by rain, crowds still filled the midway and kids still tried for prizes and carried toy trumpets and balloons — trophies of carnival wins. 'It's great,' said local mom Victoria Sciame of her Saturday. 'I love the games, the food and the cotton candy.' She wasn't alone. Generations of locals spread through Lions Park, some first timers and plenty of yearly attendees. Many grew up attending the festival, and now they're bringing their own kids. A Lions Club volunteer, Sharon Schaffer, working the gate, said she loves the joy and the memories people bring year after year. That joy is infectious. 'They're so happy,' she said. 'They're joking around and they have such a good time.' For the community, it's fun. But for the Lions Club, the non-profit civic group that organizes the fun, it's fun with a purpose. The club helps kids get glasses and hearing aids, and they give out college scholarships—most of the money raised at the Alpine Fest goes back into the community the event is celebrating. 'It all goes back to the community,' said Rob Rosenberg, a longtime club member and the festival's Master of Ceremonies. That service is why the Lions Club holds the event, and Rosenberg is quick to give credit to the 100 or so club volunteers, some of whom aren't even in the club, who run the event all weekend. 'People from all over the community come out and volunteer,' he said. 'That's the key to making this happen.' The good cause at the heart of the event reflects the sort of wholesome spirit of the whole weekend. Rosenberg, who has been coming to the festival since the 1980s, said to date, the festival hasn't had any violence or and safety or security incidents. As such, people know it's a safe place to relax and have a day—or night—with friends. Rosenberg that the safe, small-town vibe still has a lot of allure after 80 years. 'It provides an opportunity to socialize with friends and enjoy the music,' he said, as the band Evo did a sound check. Come late at night, he said, the music tent is packed to overflowing. The bands are usually popular tribute bands, drawing their own fans for whatever time-period and genre they specialize in (Evo is blues), and hot summer nights, good music, food and drinks are as popular now as they've ever been. It never goes out of style. 'We've always had great music,' he said.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Business
- First Post
AP Singh elected as Lions Clubs International President for 2025-26
AP Singh from Kolkata has been elected as the International President of the Lions Club for 2025-26. read more AP is the International President of the Lions Club for 2025-26. The Lions Club has elected AP Singh as the International President for the year 2025-26. He was elected at 107th international convention at Orlando, Florida, in the United States on July 13-17. Singh, a practicing chartered accountant, has been a member of the Lions Club since 1984. He lives in Kolkata. His family has business interests in automobile dealerships. The Lions Club is a global volunteer organisation that has around 1.4 million members in more than 49,000 clubs in over 200 geographies. It runs programmes dedicated to health, youth outreach, scholarships, environment, disaster relief, etc. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the Lions Club, Singh has held numerous leadership roles, such as the district governor and council chairperson, assisted in fund raising for Campaign SightFirst II and Campaign 100, as well as a chairperson of the National SightFirst Committee of India, a program that empowers Lions, healthcare providers and partners worldwide to combat preventable blindness and assist those with vision impairments, according to a press release. 'Serving as the Lions Clubs International President is both an honor and a responsibility I embrace with humility and commitment. Together, we will continue to uplift neighborhoods, inspire new generations of Lions, and strengthen our service impact across the globe,' the release quoted Singh as saying. Following Singh's appointment, the Lions Club said in a statement that the organisation will work to build networks of interest groups under his leadership. 'Under President Singh's leadership, Lions Clubs International will make strides in promoting the growth of the Association to continue to serve effectively, and will encourage building networks of interest groups, use of AI tools, service engagement during travels to expand its global footprint while advancing critical initiatives in youth engagement, sustainability, and inclusive community development,' the statement read.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fourth of July: Colorful Independence Day celebrations across the Montgomery area
It was a red, white and blue Fourth of July in the region as Independence Day was celebrated with parades, concerts, fireworks and even a carboard boat race. In Prattville the day kicked off with a downtown parade, then it was the annual cardboard boat race at Pratt Pool. The pool is located in Pratt Park which also hosted the annual Lions Club barbecue. The evening wrapped up with fireworks. In Montgomery, the 49th Annual Cloverdale-Idlewild parade had walkers, wagons and pets in the merry neighborhood cavalcade. A celebration at the Montgomery Riverfront featured patriotic music by the 151st Alabama Army National Guard Band. Fireworks over the water put an exclamation point on the day. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@ To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: See how Montgomery and Prattville celebrated the Fourth of July
Time Business News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Celebrating Community at Fruitport Old Fashioned Days 2025
Every year, the small village of Fruitport, Michigan hosts a tradition that brings the entire community together — Fruitport Old Fashioned Days. What started as a local gathering decades ago has now grown into one of the most loved events in West Michigan. In 2025, this celebration returns with even more excitement, entertainment, and tradition. The roots of Fruitport Old Fashioned Days go back over 50 years. This annual festival began as a way to celebrate Memorial Day, honor local veterans, and offer families a weekend filled with joy and connection. Over time, it evolved into a signature event that blends nostalgia with modern entertainment. Locals fondly call it simply 'Old Fashion Days,' and generations of families have attended year after year. While the final schedule is still being finalized, here's what you can expect at Fruitport Old Fashioned Days 2025: Thursday, May 22: Opening night, carnival opens, early food vendors Friday, May 23: Live music, carnival, car show Saturday, May 24: Parade, food vendors, kid's activities Sunday, May 25: Talent shows, fireworks display Monday, May 26: Memorial Day ceremony, closing carnival rides All events take place across Pomona Park, downtown Fruitport streets, and Lions Club areas. The festival includes a full carnival setup with spinning rides, thrill rides, and kid-friendly options. It's a great place for family bonding and childhood nostalgia. Local vendors serve everything from BBQ and hot dogs to homemade fudge and lemonade. Many people attend just for the fair food! Don't miss the Sunday night fireworks. It's one of the biggest crowd-pullers and truly magical over the calm waters of Pomona Park. From high school bands to local musicians and dance groups, the festival stages are full of talent every day. Get a glimpse of vintage tractors, restored muscle cars, and classic pickups. The car show is perfect for auto enthusiasts and families alike. The event is organized by the Fruitport Lions Club, with support from residents, schools, and local businesses. Volunteers play a big role, making the event feel truly community-owned. It's a safe, welcoming space for families. Parents can let kids enjoy the rides while they relax, listen to music, or browse local stalls. Most activities are free to attend, with optional paid rides and food. This makes it accessible to everyone, even large families. Each year brings something fresh, and 2025 will be no different. Here are a few anticipated updates: Drone light show in addition to fireworks Expanded craft fair with handmade goods More seating areas and shaded rest zones New music stage for youth performers These additions aim to make the experience more inclusive, modern, and fun for all age groups. Fruitport is a small village located in Muskegon County, Michigan, close to Spring Lake and not far from Grand Rapids. During the festival, the entire town transforms into a hub of activity, with visitors coming from nearby towns and across the state. Here are some helpful tips if you plan to attend: Parking: Arrive early, especially on parade or fireworks day. Some local lots offer paid parking close to event zones. Dress Comfortably: Weather can be warm in late May. Hats, sunscreen, and walking shoes are recommended. Cash & Cards: While many vendors now accept cards, carrying some cash is a good idea for quick buys or donations. Pets: Generally, pets are discouraged in crowded areas. Check local rules if you plan to bring one. Stay Hydrated: Free water refill stations may be available near the Lions Club booths. Yes! The event is designed for families, with safe rides, games, and kids' entertainment throughout. Entry to the festival is free. Some rides or food stalls may charge separately. Absolutely! The parade showcases local floats, marching bands, veterans, and more. It's a community favorite. Follow the Fruitport Lions Club's Facebook page or local Michigan event sites for official updates and timings. From carnival lights and funnel cakes to parades and fireworks, Fruitport Old Fashioned Days 2025 offers a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the heart of small-town America by Bizcrave. Whether you're a returning visitor or a first-timer, the charm of old fashioned days in Fruitport will stay with you long after the rides stop spinning. Fruitport awaits with open arms. Invite your friends, bring your family, and step into a world where tradition and fun come together. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend the old-fashioned way — in Fruitport, Michigan. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
San Francisco Chronicle
03-07-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Dozens of California cities cancel Fourth of July fireworks after deadly warehouse blast
A deadly explosion at a fireworks storage facility in Yolo County has forced cities across Northern California to cancel or scale back their Fourth of July celebrations, leaving many communities scrambling ahead of the holiday. The blast occurred Tuesday evening at a warehouse operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics near Esparto. The explosion ignited a wildfire that burned nearly 80 acres and left seven people unaccounted for, according to state and local fire officials. The facility supplied fireworks to numerous municipalities throughout the region. As a result, at least a dozen scheduled fireworks shows have been canceled or postponed. In San Jose, the city called off its Lake Cunningham Park fireworks display but will move forward with the rest of the festivities, including a parade and live music. 'Our fireworks vendor was directly impacted by the warehouse explosion,' said Daniel Candelas, a city spokesperson. 'However, we are working to pivot to a drone show.' Cloverdale's annual Chuck Sibert Pyro Spectacular, long a mainstay of the town's holiday celebration, was canceled by the Lions Club. The group cited the destruction of their fireworks inventory in the Yolo County blast. Other affected events include the Lodi Lake Fireworks Show, the St. Helena Fourth of July display, and the show at Chico's Silver Dollar Speedway. The New Stockton 99 Speedway canceled its July 3 fireworks, though its racing program will continue. In Marysville, the Yuba-Sutter fireworks event was postponed to July 5 and will use a different vendor. The Esparto Volunteer Firefighters Association also canceled its own July 5 show 'out of respect for the families and community affected by the recent tragic events.' In St. Helena and other parts of wine country, officials pointed not only to the warehouse explosion but also to extreme heat and heightened fire danger in their decisions to cancel fireworks. San Francisco's waterfront fireworks display remains on schedule, and some inland cities unaffected by the warehouse blast are moving ahead with their plans. Still, the ripple effect from the Yolo County explosion has cast a shadow over what is typically one of the busiest nights of the year for public celebrations across the state. State and federal investigators, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are working to determine the cause of the explosion. Evacuation orders remain in place around the site.
