CARLYLE - At a regular club meeting in December, it was determined that the Lions’ annual supper and auction would not take place in March for the second consecutive year. The risks of the pandemic were just too great.
This spring, a committee was formed to get the ball rolling on an alternative fundraiser.
The Bromantics are a well-known Saskatchewan band that have an excellent reputation and loyal following. It is a six-piece group that performs a tribute to the bands of the 1950s and ’60. Led by Tim Sedor, a committee was formed, and the club decided to proceed. The Bromantics were booked.
This was an aggressive project for the Lions as dine and dances have been in steady decline even prior to the pandemic, but in this case the entire club unanimously supported it. Carlyle & District Lions decided to give it a go and Prairie Place in Arcola was booked for May 27.
By that date, over 250 tickets had been sold and everyone was looking forward to a great event. The tables had been set, the liquor had been purchased and every Lions club member had volunteered to do a specific duty. Rylan and Cindy Weir of Manor were the caterers.
Late that Friday morning, Sedor received the news that the Bromantics lead singer had a health-related concern and they had to cancel. If it hadn’t been the lead singer, the show could have gone on. They sincerely apologized and Sedor, with his numerous contacts from booking performers at Carlyle Fun Dayz, started making calls.
Early that afternoon, a magician from Indian Head was booked and it was decided to proceed with the show. Later that day, Sedor was also able to book a band out of Weyburn. The show was a go.
Chester McBain is 64 years old and has been doing magic tricks since he was seven. His grandson was the assistant on this night.
“I performed at Carlyle Fun Dayz a few years ago. I had nothing scheduled and was happy to help.”
Ernie Parisien was the group spokesman for Switch, a rock and country band out of Weyburn.
“We are a group of five that have been playing together for over 15 years. I and two others have been there since we started. Our band rehearses every week so when we got the call, we were able to help. We were happy how things worked out and that the Lions were able to continue with the fundraiser as they had planned.”
Sedor was pleased at how the club adapted to adversity.
“While cancellation was possible, we really didn’t want to go that route. Ticket sales had gone well, the roast beef and pork were already cooking, and with finding alternative entertainment, we decided to proceed. We had a great crowd, the magician was entertaining, and the band was amazing. People danced to the wee hours and really enjoyed themselves.”
In addition to the supper and entertainment, a 50/50 raffle was held with Duncan Brown the lucky winner of $1,150. Harry Laurent, owner of Arcola Building Supplies, was the high bidder on the Dennis Feduk pie auction. Sharon Fox purchased the Winnipeg Jets package.
Despite the last-minute cancellation, those in attendance were pleased with the event.
“It was a great evening,” said Colleen Fornwald. “The supper, entertainment and friends were all fantastic.”
“It was a fun filled evening, thank you all for supporting Carlyle and District Lions. The food was great, Chester and Switch, both super entertainers,” added Pat Anderson.
“We enjoyed the evening. The entertainment was top notch. The meal was delicious. Great mix of people in attendance,” said Debra Laurent.
From the ticket sales generated, it is obvious that the Bromantics are well known and admired.
“The band feels terrible about not being able to attend and promises to perform at a later date. Stay tuned as I am sure our club would like to give this another try,” said Sedor.
The Carlyle and District Lions Club wishes to thank all the businesses that supported their Lions raffle and live auction prizes, their amazing Lions volunteers, and everyone that attended.
