Simcoe Lions chicken BBQ returns ‘with a bang’
Chris Abbott
Editor
With an eye on the sky, Simcoe Lions Club hosted a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, August 22 in downtown Simcoe.
More than 500 chicken dinners were sold, prepared on their barbecue in the parking lot of Riversyde 83, for both ‘drive through’ patrons and the Argyle Street festival goers from 4-7 p.m. It was held in partnership with the Simcoe BIA, who helped provide the Argyle Street venue, the band (Sharp Dog), and the inflatable company.
“The Simcoe BIA have been wonderful co-coordinators,” said Lion Sarah McLaughlin, chair of the Chicken BBQ committee.
It might be considered the first annual – with a bit of a festival flair and a new coordinator - but it was actually the return of the Simcoe Lions barbecue after a lengthy hiatus.
Art With Heart Studio provided free face painting, Andy the Balloon Guy was on site, and they had inflatables.
“I wanted a kids friendly event,” said McLaughlin. “This is our first chicken BBQ in many years.”
All the funds raised stay in the community.
“We’ve got a lot going on,” McLaughlin nodded. “We’ve got Wellington Park (pavilion) coming up – we have promised a phased project there. And beyond that, we donate to a ton of local initiatives. We support minor sports, young theatre and professional theatre as well. There are also outlets like Haldimand Norfolk REACH, who operate the Child Nutrition Network (breakfast and snack programs).”
Despite the rain, she said the community was very supportive.
“We had a little bit of a downpour, just before, about 10 minutes, then just a little bit of a downpour during… then it was clear.”
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