Representatives from the Zionsville Lions Club and public safety officials from The Town of Zionsville met Friday morning and decided to cancel the annual Lions Club fireworks show and all activities in the park that had been scheduled for the evening of July 4th in Zionsville’s Lions Park.
Due to the extremely dry conditions and the National Weather Service forecast for continued extreme heat, Lions Club officials made this decision in the interest of the public’s health and safety based upon the recommendation of public safety officials. Officials recognize the significant financial burden placed upon the Zionsville Lions Club as this is the second largest fundraising event for Lions Park.
July 4th Chairman Steve Gayheart said “This was not an easy decision and I am deeply disappointed it came to this, but in the end, it’s the right thing to do and we will move forward.”
The over 20 acre park is owned operated and maintained by the over 120 volunteers of the Zionsville Lions Club. Lions Club President Leigh Ann Akard commented “We feel it is our responsibility to put public safety in front of fundraising efforts to maintain Lions Park. We hope that Zionsville will come out to support our first concert of the FREE Summer Concert Series on July 1st at 7pm for a patriotic celebration of “The Land that I Love” with the Zionsville Concert Band.”
The annual July 4th raffle is a significant fundraiser for the event. “We already have expenses to the July 4th Celebration event that can not be recovered at this point. But one thing that will be missed is the sales of raffle tickets in the park the night of the fireworks since that is an easy source of revenue to the park,” commented Akard. Tickets can still be purchased from Lions Club members or at Akard True Value Hardware until July 3rd. The Lions Club will contact the winner.
Please visit www.zionsvillelions.com for activities and event information including the concert series and annual Fall Festival.