The skies in Adams county were quite on the fourth of July of 2020. Just like many other clubs, organizations, towns and villages. COVID-19 restrictions had become tighter as the pandemic kept us at home and indoors. The West Union Lion’s club had already begun planning with optimism the 2020 Annual Freedom Festival.
With hopes the pandemic would have lessened is grip on our Nation. Lion’s Club President Matt Sheeley said this when asked about the 2020 event. “When it became clear that having the event would be in direct violation of the Governor’s orders and a danger to the community we serve, we canceled the event. Starting out 2021, we were not sure if we would again be able to host the area’s largest Firework display and celebration of our independence, but we began planning once again. We wanted to be ready if we got the go ahead.”
The club decided to minimize the financial ask they do from small businesses in the community by hosting a pancake breakfast, 4 “Lunch with the Lions” events, including one this Friday featuring the popular Pulled Pork, and held a raffle of a thousand-dollar AmEx gift card. “Putting on events as big as this takes a lot of people and fundraising. We knew that our community was hit hard by the restrictions taken to keep COVID-19 at bay. We did not want to add to the stress of our small local businesses by asking for the same help they had given us before.” Stated Sheeley. He continued “Some of our founding sponsors, very much wanted to continue the tradition, and some new stepped forward to help as well.” Sheeley said to check their Facebook page, and flyers and asked everyone to give thanks to all the sponsors.
This Saturday June 26, 2021 join the West Union’s Lion’s club at the Adam’s County Freedom Festival. The event is held at the Adams County Fairgrounds, the gate opens at 4pm. For a small gate fee per carload you can celebrate your independence with entertainment by local music makers Honey Hush. Enjoy get your dinner from one or more of the local food vendors, and support local artisans and small businesses by shopping the vendor area. Young and old can participate in sack races and balloon toss, may the best team not get wet! The big firework show starts at 10 pm. For more information, see the insert in this edition of the Informer.
