Lots of favourite activities, music and returning dog show at St. Davids Lions Carnival

When the 61st annual St. Davids Lions Carnival opens Wednesday, July 24, at 5 p.m., it will kick off four days of fun, with all the popular food and activities the community loves.

The carnival continues Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, July 27, from noon to 10 p.m.

This year, says organizer Ken Lamb, the weather forecast is looking good, which is so important to the success of outdoor events.

“Last year, bad weather put a damper on the event, with rain ever day. Outdoor events really took a hit across the region last July,” he says. “This year the early forecast looks like we’ll have lots of sunshine.”

Returning for the second year is a chance for dog-lovers to show off their beloved four-legged family members.

The dog show will be held Saturday afternoon, July 27. It’s a family-friendly event, with the only rules being that dogs must be on a leash, and dog owners must prepared to scoop your dog’s poop.

Dogs can be registered for $10 for each category entered, on the carnival grounds the day of the event, beginning at 11 a.m. for the show that begins at noon. There is an application form on line at stdavidslions.ca. Categories include best costume, so come prepared for that; as well as most handsome, prettiest, oldest, and “wagiest tail.”

The show is sponsored by Global Pet Foods, Minor Bros. Country Living, and Pet Valu in Virgil, and all entrance fees will be donated to Lions of Canada Foundation for dog guides.

New at the carnival this year is special guest Lirim Hajrullahu, the Toronto Argonaut kicker who kicked the game-winning goal in the 2017 Grey Cup game. He’ll be at the carnival Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. Carnival organizer Ken Lamb says he has known Hajrullahu since he coached him for many years in minor travel soccer in NOTL.

The Canadian Tire Welland store will be donating “a lot of football stuff,” and there will be a field goal competition set up for kids. A.N. Meyer’s Marauders football team members will be organizing flag football and a dunk tank, which will help raise money to be divided between the Marauders and the Lions club, says Lamb.

Hajrullahu will be on-hand to sign autographs, and the Argonauts have provided a signed jersey to be won, Lamb adds.

It’s been about a decade since Lamb began organizing a stage, bands, and a beer and wine tent to add a musical element to the St. Davids Lions Carnival, and this year, with a rebuilt customized stage that is now hard-wired for “plug and play,” also sponsored by Canadian Tire, it will be even better.

Also, other organizations and events can rent the stage “for a nominal cost,” and that money will go back to the Lions club. “We’re really exited about that.”

Musical performances have been a successful addition to the carnival, and this year kick off Wednesday evening, July 24, from 8 to 11 p.m. with Turntable Rock.

The music continues Friday, from 4 to 11 p.m., with three performances: Tribe 369; Rock of 80s; and Simple Gestures. Saturday performances run from 4 to 11 p.m. as well, with Amanda Lynn Parker; Giancarlo and the Scarfones; and Figure Four.

Beer and wine available from Niagara College and Great Lakes Brewery will be available, says Lamb, who appreciates the opportunity of being able to highlight local products.

The concert series, a mix of music, and drinks tent was originally intended to attract another demographic to the carnival, he says, and has managed to do that over the years since it was first offered.

“All the music and everything related to entertainment is backed by a lot of local sponsors, who support us each and every year. We couldn’t do it without them, and with their help, we are able to give more back to the community.”

Much of the carnival remains the same as previous years, with what locals consider “the world-famous Lions burgers” and other great food, some outside vendors, activities such as the grocery wheel, bingo, pony rides, the fish pond and birthday games.

Raffle tickets will again be on sale at the carnival, with the grand prize of a trailer from Niagara Trailers.

Townsend Amusements will be providing a $3 ride all day Wednesday special, and a bracelet special for Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. for $30, with ride tickets also available.

The carnival is held on the St. Davids Lions Park grounds at 1462 York Rd., St. Davids.