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SERVING THE TOLLESBORO COMMUNITY SINCE 1954
Recent Projects and Successes!
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF THE 2018 THROUGH 2020 TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB PROJECTS AND SUCCESSES, feel free to review or download the stories by clicking on the appropriate buttons below. NOTE: Although small in numbers, our club is a very busy organization. The 2018 stories are 31 pages in Legal Size; the 2019 stories are 71 pages in Letter Size; the 2020 stories are 36 Letter Size pages (and this in a year where our organization -- like all other organizations -- were impacted by the CoronaVirus and the restrictions placed on meetings and gatherings during most of the year). Please keep these factors in mind if you decide to print the stories (you might want to print two-sided?). If you want to forward the stories to others by e-mail, they are also quite large - the smallest file download is in excess of 2.3 MB even after being compressed - so it may be wise to submit links to their download locations). NOTE: If you are interested in our Club's History since it's 1954 chartering, a comprehensive history of our organization is available to review or download from our "HISTORY" page. It is VERY LARGE, in excess of 250 pages and with a file size (compressed) exceeding 20 MB. NOTE ALSO: From our "HISTORY" page, lots of other files are available to review or download about our organization. Check it out!
2018 PROJECTS & SUCCESSES CAN BE DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING BUTTON:
THE 2019 PROJECTS & SUCCESSES CAN BE DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING BUTTON:
The VIDEO OF OUR 2018 PLAYGROUND PROJECT COMPILED BY KENTUCKY LIVING IS AVAILABLE TO VIEW BY CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING BUTTON:
2020 PROJECTS & SUCCESSES CAN BE DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING BUTTON:
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB STILL ACTIVE, APRIL MEETING AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Tollesboro Lions Club had their regular meeting Monday, April 12th at the Tollesboro Lions Club Clubhouse. The meeting was opened by President Lee Thomas with Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the prayer and pledge, the members were treated with a dinner served by Skeeter and Sonia Shaw before opening the meeting for business.
Secretary Phil Cropper read the minutes from the last meeting. The minutes referenced that grant monies hat the Club has received from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Division of Fairs would be expended to build a new elevated announcer's booth at the site of the Demolition Derby/Mud Sling Track and that an addition was planned that would nearly double the size of the existing elevated announcer's booth located between the Tug Pull and Speed Pull tracks (the main purpose of which is to place the stairs to the upper level within the interior of the building, as well as to add storage areas for concession materials). Blacktop improvements would also be made to the fairgrounds, and both the announcer's booths and blacktop improvements would be made before this year's Tollesboro Lions Club Fair. A nominating committee had been established consisting of Darrel Dixon, Denny Hornback, Larry Tucker, and Jeff Huff which would report their recommendations for 2021-2022 officers at the next meeting. The Kentucky Lions Club Annual Convention would be held remotely this year and the Tollesboro Lions Club was entitled to 3 delegates; the Tollesboro Lions Club would be represented by Lee Thomas, Steven Pedersen, and Craig Stanfield who would serve as delegates. A $250 donation was approved to the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation. The minutes were approved as read.
In the absence of the Treasurer, no Treasurer's report was presented.
President Lee Thomas reported that the Shepherd's Church Of God has used the pavilion on the fairgrounds April 3rd. At the same time, a Baby Shower was held on the grounds. A representative of the church called President Lee Thomas to inform the Club that the Baby Shower had left a bag of trash on the grounds. It was suggested that the Club charge a $50 refundable deposit for the use of the grounds in order to insure that trash was properly disposed of. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Under old business, a preliminary fair schedule was presented to the club. NOTE: The next day, Tuesday, April 13th, Craig Stanfield confirmed that the Pony & Mule Pullers Association would be present on Thursday, July 22nd, 7:00 pm.
Continuing under old business, the Nominating Committee made it's recommendations to the Club for 2021-2022 Officers. A motion was made to suspend further nominations and to accept the recommendations of the Nominating Committee. The motion was seconded, and with no further discussion, the motion was voted on and passed unanimously. The 2021-2022 officers elected are as follows: President Craig A Stanfield, First Vice President Clinton Applegate, Second Vice President Lee Thomas, Third Vice President Jim Meadows, Secretary Phil Cropper, Treasurer Steven Pedersen, Tail Twisted Charlie Kendall, Lion Tamer David Hampton, 1 Year Directors Denny Hornback and Daymond Thomas, 2 Year Directors Paul Hampton and Mike Setters.
Under new business: Craig Stanfield reported that he had been contacted by HistoryInYourOwnBackyard about sponsoring a short documentary film about the Cabin Creek Covered Bridge (made ever so important following the destruction by fire --- thought to be arson --- of Washington County's Mt. Zion Covered Bridge last month). Craig committed to see that the video would be made, and reached out to other local businesses about co-sponsorships. Craig was successful in obtaining a number of cosponsors and in reaching out to these co-sponsors, informed them as a condition of their sponsorship that the Tollesboro Lions Club would be considered a co-sponsor at no cost to the club, using the project as a community outreach/community support project. Co-sponsors agreed to this arrangement. To date, Rip's Farm Center, L & L Auto Center, Craig A. Stanfield Real Estate & Auction Services, and Jackie's Deer Lures have agreed to sponsor the creation of the documentary. In contacting other potential sponsors, it was discovered that Fleming County's Covered Bridges had not been sponsored and messages left by the documentary producer had gone unanswered; Craig contacted the production company about the possibility of combining sites in Lewis and Fleming Counties (as the more sites filmed, the lower the overall cost per site), to include 5 to 7 sites all of which would be co-sponsored and would include all of the sponsors including the Tollesboro Lions Club (if 5 sites were committed, Fleming County would add their 3 covered bridges, Goddard, Ringos Mills and Hillsboro and Lewis County would add Tollesboro and it's connections to thoroughbred horse racing as the birthplace of Lucille Parker Wright Markey, who became the owner of Calumet Farm and who's estate formed the basis of the creation of the Markey Cancer Center in Lexington; if 6 or 7 sites were committed, Lewis County would add the Lewis County Courthouse/Soldier's Monument in Vanceburg and Fleming County would add another site or two to the project); the production company agreed to a joint venture between the two counties. Thus additional sponsors are sought to increase the scope of the project.
The Club was informed that two sets of used aluminum bleachers were available for purchase within the area. A motion was made to attempt to purchase these bleachers for placement on the grounds. NOTE: The next day, Tuesday, April 13th, Treasurer Steven Pedersen viewed these bleachers and made a deal to purchase them.
The Spring Trade Days and a Spring Tug Tractor Pull was discussed. The event is planned for April 30th through May 2nd. The Lions Club plans to host a Tug Tractor Pull April 30th and May 1st.
Being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
SPRING TRADE DAYS A ROUSING SUCCESS
The Tollesboro Lions Club hosted their annual Spring Trade Days event Friday April 30th through Sunday May 2nd at the Fairgrounds. The first event of 2021 (other than our regular meetings), basically a flea market or community yard sale, the event set up on the fairgrounds along the "AA" Hwy frontage were it was very visible to passers-by. Reminiscent of the "Court Days" of old, the event was well attended by both vendors and customers! Vendors were present peddling their wares with many nice items available including crafts, pocket knives, guns, antiques, collectibles, and even a couple of restorable John Deere pedal tractors!
There are Trade Days events scheduled, including the Summer Days and Fall Days. For additional information regarding upcoming dates and to arrange setting up your merchandise, contact Skeeter Shaw at (606)798-6134!
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SPRING TUG TRACTOR PULL
The Tollesboro Lions Club hosted a Spring Tug Tractor Pull on Saturday, May 2nd. The event started at 1:00 pm in the afternoon and a winner was FINALLY crowned at 10:00 am Sunday morning!!! The event was huge with over 150 participants entered to test their tractor's work capabilities! Both men and women took turns at the wheel of the various tractors. Tractor brands included Ford, International Harvester/Farmall, Allis Chalmers, John Deere, Oliver, Duetz, and more!!!
The event was run a little different as tractor tug pulls have evolved. The pull included tractors weighing from 3500 to 9,000 lbs., with 3500 to 6000 lb. tractors competing for percentage (weight pulled versus weight of tractor), 6000 lb. tractors competing in a middle-weight class, with a 7500 jackpot class, with tractors weighing between 6000 and 9000 lbs. competing for heavy load. The sled started out weighing 4500 lbs., and 1500 lbs. was added to the sled after each heat (until the end of the event when only 1,000 lbs. was added), and at the end of the event had been weighed up to 19,500 lbs.!!! Tractors made use of the entire track (rather than a 100' length), no side boundary widths (no out of bounds as long as the participants stayed on the dirt and out of the grass). Crowds came and went as the event started in the afternoon and extended throughout the evening and into the morning hours, with the person's on the grounds at the end of the event not only seeing the sun come up but getting reaching rather high in the sky at the event's eventual end!
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB HOSTS MAY MEETING
The Tollesboro Lions Club hosted their regular meeting May 10, 2021 at the Tollesboro Lions Club Clubhouse on the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds with President Lee Thomas presiding and opening the meeting. After Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, the members enjoyed a meal. Following the meal, the first item of business was the Secretary's report. Secretary Phil Cropper reported the minutes of the last meeting, April 26th. The meeting was attended by two guests from the Orangeburg Lions Club, Lion Don Toller and Lion David Frye. They reported on their Club's activities and inquired as to use of the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds for a Car Show. A motion was made and approved for the Orangeburg Lions Club to use the grounds for a Car Show at a future date to be determined, with the Orangeburg Lions Club to report back to the Tollesboro Lions Club the date to insure that the event would not interfere with any Tollesboro Lions Club event. Lion Larry Tucker presented a report on the Eyeglasses Committee last meeting; the Club was informed that over the past 3 years, more limited numbers of applications were received for assistance with obtaining eyeglasses (to date, only 2 applications have been received this year). The minutes were read and approved. Treasurer Steve Pedersen then informed the Club about the success of the Tug Tractor Pull and the Trade Days the first weekend in May. He also reported that Charles Thompson of Independent Excavating had picked up and delivered the bleachers purchased by the Club from Earlywine Racing and donated his services! Next, he reported that construction was going to begin the next day (May 11th, 2021) on the new elevated announcer's booth to be located at the Demolition Derby/Mud Sling Pit and the planned expansion of the existing elevated announcer's booth located between the Tug Pull and Speed Pull Tracks and informed the members present that their assistance would be needed following the meeting for a short Work Night so as to remove items from the existing announcer's booth to permit the construction to proceed unimpeded. It was also reported that the blacktopping project had been completed with the main road improved substantially including parking areas along the playground and by the concession stand, with a significant portion of the walking track improved as well (extending from the playground to the Clubhouse. It was noted that, even though the weather was cool, an organized group of children were using the ballfield that evening, with several children using the playground as well. Next it was reported that the Summer Trade Days was scheduled for Friday June 18th through Sunday, June 20th. Lion Clinton Applegate reported that the Kentucky Simmental Association Cattle Show was scheduled to be held on the grounds the 21st day of May and that bleachers would need to be moved to the show ring. A member then requested the use of a pavillion May 22nd. A request was made on behalf of the David Iery Foundation to use the grounds for a concert in September. The motion carried. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned and members began a short work night.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB COMMUNITY PARK BALLFIELD
The Ballfield at the Tollesboro Lions Club Community Park has seen renewed interest by youth users which has resulted in significant improvements and upgrades being made. After several years of very limited use, this year the ballfield has been graded, a temporary type youth fence has been installed, and T-Ballers and other young children have been making use of the field. Perhaps in conjunction with the new playground (which is a well-used and appreciated improvement)? Regardless, the organization's membership have noted the renewed interest and are happy the ballfield is being used in a more consistent and regular fashion.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB HOST OF FUND-RAISER
The Tollesboro Lions Club was the host of a fund-raiser for the Mike Bellamy Family. Mike and his wife were traveling when their vehicle was struck head-on by a car whose driver lost control. Mike was killed and his wife severely injured and hospitalized. The community banded together and raised in excess of $25,000 to support the Bellamy Family by conducting a POKER RUN (an event where truck drivers driving semis follow a designated route picking up a card at designated spots along the route, returning the the Lions Club and comparing the hand received with winner taking a portion of the proceeds, the remainder offered to the recipient of the fund-raiser), a dinner, and an auction! Sixty-five participants drove their semis in the Poker Run and the dinner and auction added to the success of the event!
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIRGROUNDS SITE OF FUND-RAISER
The Tollesboro Lions Club was the site of a fund-raiser for Johnny Barbour, a young member of the Tollesboro community with severe health issues. The event was a great success, raising approximately $14,000 to support Mr. Barbour in his treatments!
Tollesboro Lions Club Recipient of Grant to Improve Playground
The Lewis County Fiscal Court has successfully applied for a Crumb Rubber Grant to improve the Tollesboro Lions Club Playground! The grant was announced in a communication to the Lewis County Judge Executive Jimmy Lykins by letter from the Energy and Environment Cabinet for Environmental Protection, said letter dated May 14, 2021.
This grant will provided a poured-in place surface made from recycled tires on the surface of the playground to create a safe barrier for children to prevent injuries in the event of a fall or tumble. This will replace the current chipped tire mulch currently in use, and is a significant improvement. The grant is for $70,590 requiring a 25 percent match (in-kind labor to remove the existing surface will count towards the grant contribution).
The Tollesboro Lions Club looks forward to this improvement being made and offers it's sincere thanks to the Cabinet, the County Judge, the Fiscal Court, and the Buffalo Trace Area Development District for their work in acquiring this grant!
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MEMBERS REPRESENT THE CLUB IN REGIONAL AND DISTRICT OFFICES
The Tollesboro Lions Club has had two members elected to state and regional office. Lion Steven Pedersen has been elected as District 43-Y Second Vice District Governor (Kentucky is divided into two Districts, District K and District Y). Lion Clinton Applegate has been elected as Zone Chairman.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB 2021 OFFICERS ELECTED
The Tollesboro Lions Club has elected new officers for 2021-2022. The elected officers elected are as follows: President Craig A Stanfield, First Vice President Clinton Applegate, Second Vice President Lee Thomas, Third Vice President Jim Meadows, Secretary Phil Cropper, Treasurer Steven Pedersen, Tail Twisted Charlie Kendall, Lion Tamer David Hampton, 1 Year Directors Denny Hornback and Daymond Thomas, 2 Year Directors Paul Hampton and Mike Setters. Immediate Past President is Lee Thomas.
SUMMER TRADE DAYS
The Summer Trade Days Event (a Court Day/Flea Market Event with Arts and Crafts, Antiques, Baked and Homemade Goods, Antiques, Tools and More) was conducted on the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds Friday June 18th through Sunday June 20th along the "AA Hwy" frontage of the fairgrounds. The Friday and Saturday portions of the event began at 9 am and extended through 5 pm; the Sunday portion of the event began at 10 am and extended through 4 pm. Food was served throughout the event. While the event overall was a success, late evening storms with rain and heavy wind dampened spirits and souls and definitely had an impact on the latter portions of the event.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS
The Tollesboro Lions Club has awarded 4 scholarships to Lewis County Youth pursuing higher education that graduated in 2021. The Club offered $1,050 in scholarships. This year's recipients are Jersey Stanfield, Leighton Thayer, Ashton Hull, and Madison Gorman. The Tollesboro Lions Club offers their congratulations to these fine students and wishes them the very best in the future endeavours.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SITE OF SIMMENTAL SHOW
The Tollesboro Lions Club served as the host site for the 2021 Junior Simmental Cattle Show. The show was a great success, with one family traveling 6 1/2 hours all the way from Murray (Calloway County) to participate.
YOUTH SIMMENTAL CATTLE SHOW PARTICIPANTS
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB IMPROVES FAIRGROUNDS
The Tollesboro Lions Club recently made substantial improvements to their fairgrounds. In 2021, the Club has provided infrastructure improvements to their most recently acquired adjoining acreage (electrical upgrades, new lighting, waterline extensions, fencing, clearing and leveling of the acreage, new culvert and gravel roadway extensions/improvements, and more). In addition, the Club has erected additional permanent bleacher seating at the Demolition Derby/Mud Sling Pit and constructed a new elevated announcer's booth at this location. In addition, the existing elevated announcer's booth situated between the Tug Tractor Pull Track and the Speed Event Track has been added onto to double it's size while placing the stairway (formerly located on the outside of the building) in the building's interior (this was a needed improvement as weather has impacted the wooden stairway structure requiring it to be replaced. By placing this stairway in the interior, the stairway should last for decades!). In addition, blacktopping has been performed to improve roadways as well as portions of the walking track, and to provide parking areas alongside the concession stand and the playground.
Photos above (clockwise beginning at top left) show improvements to ballfield, new announcer's booth, addition to existing announcer's booth (doubled in size) and blacktop improvements.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB HOSTS THEIR 64TH ANNUAL TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR!!
The Tollesboro Lions Club will host their 64th Annual Lions Club Fair at the Tollesboro Community Park situated on the "AA" Hwy (KY 9), Lions Club Lane, and KY 10 from July 16th through July 24th, 2021.
The Fair, as always, will have a carnival, concessions, and a huge lineup of events. The dates, events, and contact information for each event is as follows:
Friday, July 16, 7:00 PM Tug Tractor Pull (weigh-in 5:30 PM) - Tanner Hord 606-584-5206
Friday, July 16, 7:30 PM Rocky Mountain Horse Show (for classes, see Tollesboro Lions Club Fair & Horse Show Schedule page on this website) - Paul Hampton 606-541-9991
Saturday, July 17, 8:00 AM (Registration) Walk 9:00 AM - Run/Walk David Iery Foundation - Carol Cunningham 606-202-1883
Saturday, July 17, 7:00 PM - Tug Tractor Pull (weigh-in 5:30 PM - Tanner Hord 606-584-5206
Saturday, July 17, 7:30 PM - Walking Horse Show (for classes, see Tollesboro Lions Club Fair & Horse Show Schedule page on this website) - Paul Hampton 606-541-9991
Sunday, July 18, 2:00 PM - Parade/Bicycle Parade - Steve Pedersen 606-301-1904
Monday, July 19, 7:00 PM - 3D Archery - Josh Hawkins 606-748-3771
Monday, July 19, 7:00 PM - Demolition Derby - Jeremy Tully 606-748-2542
Monday, July 19, 7:00 PM - Youth Sheep/Goat Show (weigh-in 6:00 PM) - Mary Shoemaker 606-798-4113
Tuesday, July 20, 12 noon/6 PM - Floral Hall (receive entries beginning noon) - Nickie Applegate 606-584-5173
Tuesday, July 20, 6:00 PM - Baby Show (birth to 18 months) - Carol Cunningham 606-202-1883
Tuesday, July 20, 7:00 PM - Semi-truck Drag Racing - T. J. Palmer 606-407-5733
Tuesday, July 20, 7:00 PM - Straight Rhythm Racing (Dirt Bike/ATV) - Lee Thomas 606-584-3327
Tuesday, July 20, 7:00 PM - Hog Show (weigh-in 6:00 PM) - Mary Shoemaker 606-798-4113
Tuesday, July 20, 7:30 PM - Cutie Pie Contest (19 months to 36 months) - Lisa Wellman 606-798-4609
Wednesday, July 21, 5:00 PM - Dairy Show - Clinton Applegate 606-782-2884
Wednesday, July 21, 6:00 PM - Boys 3 On 3 Basketball - Phil Cropper 606-798-2320
Wednesday, July 21, 6:30 PM - Garden Tractor Pull - Timmy Shoemaker 606-584-4023
Wednesday, July 21, 7:00 PM - Toddler Show, 3-4 years of age - Diana Parker 606-748-6373
Wednesday, July 21, 7:00 PM - Truck/Car Dirt Drag Racing - Terrell McCall 606-202-3056
Wednesday, July 21, 8:00 PM - Little Miss and Mister (couples only) - 5 - 7 years of age - Missy Henderson 606-541-1002
Thursday, July 22, 11:00 - 1:00 PM - Special Needs Children (SNC) Day,
Rides free from 11:00 - Noon, Lions Club Providing Lunch Noon-1:00 PM - Steve Pedersen 606-301-1904
Thursday, July 22, 6:00 PM - Steer Show (weigh-in 5:30 PM) - Phillip Konopka 606-796-2732
Thursday, July 22, 6:30 PM - ATV Drag Racing - Terrell McCall 606-202-3056
Thursday, July 22, 7:00 PM - Pony & Mule Tug Pull - Craig A. Stanfield 606-301-3350
Thursday, July 22, 7:00 PM - Wrestling - Clinton Applegate 606-782-2884
Thursday, July 22, 7:30 PM - Lions Queen Pageant (16-21 years of age) - Betty Hampton 606-798-6247
Thursday, July 22, 8:00 PM - Beef Show - Phillip Konopka 606-796-2732
Friday, July 23, 7:00 PM - Battle of the Bluegrass Pull - Matthew Meadows
Friday, July 23, 7:00 PM - Miss Teen Pageant 13-15 years of age) - Beverly Pedersen 606-202-1982
Friday, July 23, 7:30 PM - Mud Sling - T. J. Palmer 606-407-5733
Friday, July 23, 8:00 PM - Miss Pre-Teen Pageant - Crystal Thayer 606-541-0652
Saturday, July 24, 7:00 PM - Mud Sling - T. J. Palmer 606-407-5733
Saturday, July 24, 7:00 PM - Lucas Pro-Pulling League - Matthew Meadows 606-782-2373
Gate Admission $5.00 on Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17. Gate Admission $10 starting Monday, July 19 through Saturday July 24 and Includes Rides (Free Parking!!!). Wednesday, July 21st FARM BUREAU NIGHT with $10 / car load admission includes rides!!! Free admission for children 3 and under; bracelets available for rides for children 3 and under are $5.
Make plans to attend the fair and help support the Tollesboro Lions Club in this, their main annual fund-raiser!
2021 TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR A ROUSING SUCCESS
Although a hard rain impacted the first weekend (causing a cancellation of the Tug Pull for Friday and Saturday), the Tollesboro Lions Club saw record breaking attendance every day of the Fair for Week 2, the main Fair Event week (and the rain did little to hamper the Horse Show, limiting attendance and exhibitors on Friday, but with a strong showing on Saturday!). Every night of the main week of the fair --- bolstered by good weather, a fairly thriving economy, and people who just wanted to get out and about after the limited recreational activities for 2020 due to the Coronavirus Epidemic --- saw record attendance for the day! Vendors were pleased, the Carnival was pleased, all was just truly amazing. The Demolition Derby was HUGE as were most of the events throughout the week, putting on a spectacular show for the attendees!!!
TOLLESBORO FALL TRADE DAYS A ROUSING SUCCESS
Many vendors and purchasers came together for a very successful event (the largest to date) in September 10th through 12th for the Fall Trade Days (a flea-market type event held on the grounds of the Tollesboro Lions Club alongside the "AA" Hwy. frontage, offering excellent visibility). The weather was perfect, and while crowds were socially distanced due to the Covid Pandemic, sales were reported as brisk and the event was well-received by vendors and the public alike!
2021TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB PARADE A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
Perfect weather on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon brought out a huge crowd of onlookers located in lawns and businesses throughout Tollesboro to watch a huge parade. Included in the parade were antique cars, floats, ATVs, semi-trucks, tractors, Shriner's vehicles, bicyclists, walkers, politicians, fire department vehicles, riders on horseback and one horse-pulled carriage. The parade was an absolutely wonderful exhibit, and the crowds appreciated all the candy, drinks, and freezy-ice passed out by the participants.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FALL HORSE SHOW A GREAT SUCCESS
The Tollesboro Lions Club hosted a Fall Horse Show on the grounds of the Tollesboro LIons Club Saturday evening, September 11th with 30 classes. The event was well received both by the public at large and by the numerous exhibitors.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB HOSTS FUND-RAISERS
In 2021, a number of fund-raisers were conducted at the Tollesboro Lions Club to raise monies for those suffering from illness (in more than one instance) and (at least two events) to assist families who had lost loved ones with funeral expenses and to assist with hospital expenses (one of these events was to benefit a local person whom was killed in an automobile accident - his wife gravely injured - that was not there fault. Another was to assist in the burial of a child). These events consisted of dinners, auctions (silent and live), and Poker Runs using semi-trucks and ATVs. Events were conducted to support the family of Mike Bellamy, Johnny Barbour, Cody Zornes, and the Parker Stitt Family. These events were all very successful with each of these events generating $10,000 or SIGNIFICANTLY MORE in funds to assist the persons for whom the events were hosted.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB HOSTS ZONE MEETING
The Tollesboro Lions Club hosted a zone meeting Tuesday, October 8th at 6 pm. at the Tollesboro Lions Club Clubhouse. Zone Chairman and Tollesboro Lions Club member Clinton Applegate opened the meeting with five clubs represented by 15 members. Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and Tollesboro Lions Club Treasurer Steve Pedersen offered prayer. The group then enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Tollesboro Lions Club member Jim Meadows.
Following the meal, a registration sheet was passed around the room so that the members present could list the members present and the Club they represented. The Tollesboro Lions Club was represented by 4 members (Clinton, Steve, Craig and Anthony Wellman; Jim Meadows, who provided the meal, was not present during the meeting as he was harvesting crops); The Maysville Lions Club was represented by 3 members (Tom and Angela Jett and Pat Steimle); the Orangeburg Lions Club was represented by 5 members (Brittany Robbins, Donald and Mary Toller, and John and Wilda Frye); the Vanceburg Lions Club was represented by 2 members (Roger Brown and Michael Edington) and the Mays Lick Lions Club was represented by Charles Thomas. Each club was asked to discuss the projects that they were able to conduct and which projects that had to be put on hold due to Pandemic restrictions.
The Maysville Lions Club indicated that they were conducting in-person meetings; their main fund-raising project has always been the Lions Club Radio Auction which has been suspended the last two years. The Club is still collecting eyeglasses and assisting individuals in sight preservation and has been conducting vision testing/screenings, and providing scholarships.
The Orangeburg Lions Club has been meeting twice monthly, however attendance has been sharply reduced since the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were first put in place. They also have had to suspend or greatly reduce the scope of their main fund-raising project, the annual Fall Festival, Auction and Soup Supper as the auction has not been conducted last year or this year, and the fund-raising dinners have been altered from "in-place" to "drive-thru" events and have not had the same success that the organization has had in the past. They too have been assisting individuals with sight preservation and collecting eyeglasses and providing scholarships.
The Vanceburg Lions Club has had to cancel some of their fundraisers, including Heritage Days and the Basketball Tournament. They did raffle a kayak as a fund-raiser. They are collecting eyeglasses, providing eyeglasses for adults, and have sponsored (although not entirely due to decreased revenues) fireworks during the Fourth of July Celebration.
The Mays Lick Lions Club is still meeting, but mostly is meeting to play Euchre. They have not had pancake breakfasts during the Pandemic, and have taken on Trash Collection along roadways through a program offered by the county as a fund-raiser. They had to give up the Mays Lick Streetlight program due to rising costs and decreased income streams.
The Tollesboro Lions Club has been fortunate to be able to host the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair this year; the most successful fair ever, with record attendance each day of the full week due to a perfect storm of great weather coupled with a need and desire of the public to get out and participate after the long restrictions caused by the Pandemic (and last year, the fair was scaled down substantially, however the Club was able to host a number of weekend fund-raising events that carried the Club through). The organization is continuing to meet twice monthly through most of the Pandemic, exercising social distancing during meetings (however the Club had been hosting only once monthly meetings from November through April each years for several years, resuming to twice monthly in May each year). They are continuing to collect eyeglasses for recycling, bottle caps for benches, are assisting with eyeglasses for the needy, sponsored 4 scholarships annually, and has been fortunate to increase the size of the fairgrounds as well as having made significant improvements to the fairgrounds during the Pandemic due to a number of grants and donations. The Tollesboro Lions Club is planning a Christmas Dinner for members and their spouses this year (after canceling the event last year due to Pandemic restrictions).
Lion Steve Pedersen, Second District Governor, encouraged the clubs to turn in their service hours to Lions International. Most clubs indicated that they had trouble with the automated system which is quite complicated to learn; however the automated system is easy to navigate once you have mastered the system and Lion Pedersen offered to arrange a meeting with the Clubs to show them how to navigate the system and encouraged each Club to set up a Service Chairperson to enter the service hours and a Marketing Communications Chairperson to write articles for submission to Lions Club system and local newspapers.
Each club was also encouraged to reach out to obtain more members. Each club discussed how hard it is to retain membership and reach out to new members ESPECIALLY during the Pandemic. A bright spot is that the local zone is the only zone in the state with no Clubs under probation due to membership declining below 15 members (although 2 clubs within the zone are at the 15 member threshold). All clubs also mentioned that their membership is aging without new younger membership created.
Overall, the meeting was informative and great fellowship and the Clubs were able to share ideas and plans for improvement.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY will be December 13th.
2022 TRADE DAY EVENTS
There are three 2022 Trade Day Events (Trade Day Events are Flea Market/Court Day type events with vendors set up on the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds alongside the road frontage of KY 9, the "AA HWY"). The SPRING TRADE DAY EVENT will be May 5th through 7th, 2022. THE SUMMER TRADE DAY EVENT will be June 16th through 18th, 2022. The FALL TRADE DAY EVENT will be September 8th through 10th. To reserve your space, contact For additional information regarding upcoming dates and to arrange setting up your merchandise, contact Skeeter Shaw at (606)798-6134!
2022 TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR
The Tollesboro Lions Club 2022 Fair will be July 15th through July 23rd, 2022.
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB
Located at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds and Community Park, KY 10, KY 9 ("AA" Hwy), and the Lions Club Road, Tollesboro, Lewis County, Kentucky.