There’s a lot that the Escalon Lions Club does in – and for – the community.
From being the presenting sponsor and organizing group behind Park Fete to putting on the hugely successful Autumn Cruise each September, the club provides a variety of recreational events while also raising money for scholarships, community projects and more.
But with membership dwindling, current President Jeremy Engle said it is getting harder for the club to keep up with all the activities. They are putting out a call for new members, and invite anyone and everyone interested in learning more about the club to their upcoming barbecue. That will be hosted at the pavilion at Hogan-Ennis Park – an area refurbished as a Lions Club project – on Thursday, Sept. 4.
“Normally that would be our awards dinner but we are opening it up to the community,” Engle explained.
Hours for the barbecue will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the Lions will be grilling up hot dogs and hamburgers, serving side dishes, along with providing sodas and waters.
“We are just a couple of years away from not having enough people to staff the events we do,” Engle said, noting the aging of several members who have been involved for a number of years.
He pointed to Lions including Jeff Miller, Mike Caskey, Tom Machado, Gary Haskin and Mike Powers as being among the core group that worked not only Park Fete but also likely will be doing some heavy lifting for the Saturday, Sept. 13 car show.
Engle is in his second year of serving as president and Jeff Miller is in line to take over after Engle completes his two-year term.
“We did a little bit (of recruiting) at Park Fete and hopefully, we get two or three prospective members out of that,” Engle added.
The Sept. 4 barbecue will include President’s Awards for those members who have made outstanding contributions during the year and also recognition for some chosen for the Lifetime Achievement-Melvin Jones award.
As far as the Autumn Cruise, this will be the 29th annual cruise put on by the Lions and the show is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in and around the city’s Main Street Park on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Breakfast that day will be put on by the Escalon American Legion, from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at a cost of $10; the Legion Post is at 1531 Second St., Escalon.
For more information about the show or to register, visit Escalon Lions on Facebook or email ELCAutumnCruise@gmail.com.
Over 50 separate awards will be presented, there will be music by DJ “Ike” and all-day raffles and drawings, along with a vendor show. The Show & Shine runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., onsite lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and judging will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Engle said the Lions Club also provides a variety of scholarships and funding for community projects and supports a number of initiatives throughout the year. He is hoping that local residents will join them, especially for the Sept. 4 barbecue, to learn more.
“All are invited,” Engle said. “Come on out and meet the Lions.”
