IROQUOIS – The Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club will not be hosting Canada Day festivities this year.
Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club president Jim Mustard, confirmed the news Monday morning.
For about 40 years the Lions have been hosting a Canada Day celebration at the Iroquois Locks, but the club has decided not to in 2019.
The event started in the late 70s when Brooke Leightheizer was club president.
“We’re not saying Canada Day is cancelled, because some other organization might decide to do something,” explained Mustard, but the Lions have decided not to host.
“We just feel that it has run its course,” said Mustard.
“We truly appreciate all the support we have enjoyed from everyone all those years,” said Mustard.
“It’s sad it’s come to this, but it’s a sign of the times,” he added.
One of the most popular aspects of Canada Day in Iroquois has long been the Lions’ chicken barbecue.
“People really look forward to it,” said Mustard, adding that they are hoping to get involved in some other event, maybe in the fall, where people can enjoy the chicken barbecue. “It’s our goal to try and provide that at a later date,” said Mustard.
The Canada Fireworks for the Lions’ event were traditionally handled by firefighters from the Iroquois South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services station.
At this point, Cameron Morehouse, fire chief for SDFES, said that the firefighters are not planning on doing any fireworks in Iroquois this year.
