The Zionsville Lions Club has canceled all Fall Festival events scheduled at Lions Park, due to rain and chance of flooding.
The Lions Lounge will take place Sept. 8 at the American Legion Post 79, 9950 E. 600 S. in Zionsville. The event will run from 3:30 p.m. until at least 11:30 p.m. The Impalas will play 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge. There will be food, drinks, trivia, a raffle and live entertainment.
“We are expecting a large crowd,” said Tim Reinhart, Fall Festival chairman and Lions Club member. “I think everyone will want to get out of the house after many days of rain.”
Before this weekend, Reinhart said the Lions Club is not aware of a time Fall Festival park events were canceled due to weather.
“We followed up probably our best weather year (last year) with our worst weather year,” Reinhart said.
The midway company, Poor Jack Amusements, decided 6 p.m. Sept. 7 to cancel the carnival rides and games. By 7:15 a.m. Sept. 8, many of the rides were disassembled and loaded on trucks.
“They worked all night to get out of the park because we were fearful of an overnight flood (on Saturday night),” Reinhart said. “Eagle Creek rose 4.5 feet last night. When it (rises) 10 feet total, flooding (can occur).”
The club has not calculated the total financial impact of closing park events, but hopes to recoup money through the auction and Lions Lounge. The silent auction is live at https://qtego.net/qlink/zlc.php. Interested persons can bid on items through 9 p.m. Sept. 8.
“We have no food sales, carnival revenue or parking revenue,” Reinhart said. “We’re hoping we can recoup some of the losses with a strong Lions Lounge event (Saturday).”
The American Legion offered to host the Lions Lounge event and will provide some food. Sun King beer and a selection of wine will be available, as well as a full bar. The event is for persons 21 and older.
“I think a lot of the public is disappointed since (Fall Festival) is recognized as one of the most fun events in our community,” Reinhart said. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s the right decision.”
