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Lions wrap up with BBQ, induct new member
By S.L Furedi
The Fernie Lions Club hosted a barbecue for members and spouses, June 24, where they introduced the new club executive and inducted a new member.
Ted Shoesmith will continue as club president; Brian Schmidt is vice president; Samantha Young is secretary; and Richard Ganter is treasurer. Filling out the positions are George Shade as Lion Tamer and Chuck Shoesmith as a director.
The new member inducted already has a long history with the club, as a volunteer for the last 13 years, even though he’s only just turned 18. Braydon Furedi was sponsored by his father, Sparwood Lion John Furedi, and the induction was performed by Braydon’s grandfather, Richard Ganter, a long-time member of the club.
BIGGER PRIZES
The club will now spend the summer preparing for the upcoming 44th annual Fernie Lions Demolition Derby, Sept. 2. President Ted Shoesmith says it’s a big job that requires a lot of hours from many dedicated volunteers and members to pull off.
This year’s demolition derby has raised the stakes, and upped the prize money. For the main event, the winner will take home $5,000 and a trophy. Second place will get $2,000 and third will receive $1,000. The top two drivers in each heat will win back their entry fee, and the most aggressive driver will earn $200.
In the truck heat, the winner will get 100 per cent payback and a trophy, and so will the top driver in the small car event. There is also a $200 prize for the Small Car Destruction Award.
There will be a six-car minimum for the Powder Puff event, and the winner will get $200 and a trophy.
The ever-popular Best Dressed category winner will also take home $150 and a trophy.
The derby, which draws in thousands of spectators each year, has helped the club raise more than a half-million dollars which all goes back into the community to support junior sports, youth organizations, seniors and families with sick children. The club also sponsors two $1,000 scholarships.
Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact the club through either of its two Facebook pages or its website.
Lead image: New Executive ready to work. Fernie Lions Club elected its new executive. From left are: George Shade, Lion Tamer; Brian Schmidt, vice-president; Chuck Shoesmith, director; Ted Shoesmith, president; Samantha Young, secretary; and Rick Ganter, treasurer. (Photo by S.L. Furedi)
