Lions Club Carnival opens Friday
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The Morristown-Hamblen Lions Club’s Spring Carnival returns Friday for another year of fun.
The carnival, which is the club’s biggest fundraiser, will return to Walters State Community College and will run from May 12 to May 20.
“We have been hosting the carnival for a long time,” said Lisa Grooms, the club’s secretary. “We originally had it in the parking lot of the former Red Food (now Ollies), so you can imagine how long ago that was.”
After a test of how well the community would receive the carnival last year, it will return bigger and better.
“It’s going to be bigger than last year and there are going to be more rides than last year, so we hope people are excited to come out and have some fun.”
The rides which will be presented by Casey’s Rides will feature attractions for young children but also high speed rides for thrill seekers.
“We will have something for everyone to enjoy,” Grooms said. “There will be rides for the young ones like bumper cars but also fast rides for those who want a thrill.”
Daily arm bands will be sold for $25 to allow guests to ride as many attractions as they desire. Separate tickets will also be sold for $1. However, some activities will cost more than one ticket to enjoy.
Grooms explained the many ways the club has used the funds received from the carnival fundraiser.
“Two years ago we used the money to refurbish the downtown fountain,” Grooms said. “Last year we used that money to fund our scholarship at Walters State and we are planning to do that again.”
However the money will be mostly used to fuel their mission of helping the world see better.
“We are doing this to help and serve people in our community and help them see,” Grooms said. “It’s something when you have a child who is struggling in school and you find out that all they needed was a pair of glasses.”
“The best part is seeing the smile on their faces after they are able to see. They are just so appreciative and it warms our hearts.”

