Lions Club host its annual fair
Community, Neighborhood Merchants, Non Profit August 15, 2021
The Lion’s Club here in Ellijay has consistently held the annual agricultural fairs for decades with the exception of last year’s due to Covid-19. This year, they were back in full swing and had tens of thousands of people turn out for the seven-day event held alongside the Coosawattee River. The weather could not have been any better for the week-long event with only a few short bouts of rain However, the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the fairgoers.
Current Lions Club President Marie Wyrosdick explained their mission and discussed the many charities and non-profits they have helped over the years.
Pictured here are chairperson Robert Lique, Lions President Marie Wyrosdick and co-chair Ed Stover.
The fair also had an agricultural show, along with antiques on the display of many of the club members’ own personal items.
On the first day, displays that included arts and crafts and classic cars were presented and later judged in several categories.
Rose Daves, Lion’s club member won First Place for her stained-glass piece.
Robert Lique and Ed Stover were the fair’s co-chairpersons. The fair began in 1939 and 80 percent of the funds have been put to use in Gilmer County. 12 percent go toward state charities and the rest national funds.
Just a few of the Lion members are pictured here on the last day of the fair. Left to right are Barbara Barrett, Ted Vickroy, Flora Hughes, and Rose Daves.
The carnival part of the fair was a huge success with all the kids and adults alike.
The Lions Club is made up of approximately 80 volunteers and is considered the most active civic service organization in the country. It’s well known for assisting the blind and vision impaired. They are also hosting the upcoming Apple Pageant, Apple Fair, the Bucket Brigade to benefit the White Christmas Program, and many more. Anyone wishing to become a Lions Club member can fill out an application on their website at www.ellijaylionsclub.com and learn more about this organization.
Rose Daves sports her yellow vest proudly as this year’s Lion of the Year!
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American Legion Host Charity Ride For Children
Community, Featured Stories, Lifestyle, Non Profit, Outdoors July 24, 2021
On Saturday July 24th approximately forty motorcyclist came out to support a charity for children. The event was organized by the American Legion Riders and The Sons of the American Legion Riders. The Rider’s Director Brian Shedd was responsible for choosing the charity as well as organizing the event. The American Legion Post 82 hosted the charity event and approximately thirty bikers showed up to attend. The charity ‘COTA” or Children Organ Transplant Association would receive half of the proceeds collected at the ride and the other would go back to the American Legion Riders for future charitable events.
Bikers from Gilmer County arrive at the American Legion
The event was advertised on Face Book and the bikers began arriving at 9 am. The Legion opened it’s door early and planned to leave for the ride at 11 am. Prior to the departure Brain Shedd, organizer, gathered the bikers into a group to go over the route and then the American Legion pastor said a prayer before the bikers left for the ride. The event was open to any biker whether they were a member or not as most of their events are opened to the public regardless if they have served in the military. The weather was clear and sunny throughout most of the day and bikers enjoyed a little over a hundred mile ride. The ride was led through the Cherokee National Forest and the ‘Trail of Tears’ as well as a beautiful ride along the Ocoee River where hundreds of rafters were riding the rapids. Heading back to the Legion Hall they got to experience another one of the most scenic routes which traveled through Blue Ridge and finally entering Ellijay. After several hours the group made their way back where they could have lunch and drinks at the Legion’s hall. There was also a raffle of a wheelbarrow which held hundreds of dollars in wine and spirits. Tickets were sold to the patrons attending the charity and along with the wheelbarrow several other door prizes were up for grabs as well as an auction. After the event was over Rider Director Brain Shedd announced that over $2000 was raised at the event and was considered very successful and everyone had a good time!
Bikers gather to participate in prayer prior to the ride
The Ellijay American Legion is open to the public and host many events and activities during the year. The post is also responsible for the all the crosses that are mounted on the sides of the road during the Memorial day holiday. They sponsor many charities throughout the year. In July they hold a Duck Race as well as fireworks and many other family oriented events. They also are open to serve food with specials every Friday night, hold trivia night and Karaoke too! They are known as “The Legion on the River” and are located at 297 Legion Road, Ellijay, GA 30143.
This American Legion rider displays his patch proudly depicting his service and branch
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