With festival season fast approaching, the Greendale Lions Club has been gearing up to stage a number of community- driven events to help raise money for various local charitable organizations, as well as to help our Greendale High School Marching Band get to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., next year. Did you know that profits earned from the annual Family 4th and Village Days festivals make up the vast majority of money the Lions Club collects each year to put back into our community? Your attendance and support of these family-friendly events is much appreciated, and yet, it takes much more to stage these festivals. It takes many, many volunteers in the planning phases, as well as the execution of these events, with both the Family 4th Fest and Village Days lasting four full days.
The Lions have had a presence at both the 4th of July event and Village Days extending back decades. About four years ago, Lions’ member Rich Busalacchi had a vision to create a bigger 4th of July festival for Greendale. He put together a group of Lions and created the Family 4th Fest. The committee also decided to increase the Lions’ participation at Village Days.
While the Greendale Lions Club has continued to grow, more volunteers are still needed. Partnering with the Greendale High School Marching Band and the Greendale Youth Football League has helped to identify and secure new and much appreciated volunteer time and energy.
Over the last three years, both organizations have volunteered side by side helping the Greendale Lions Club put on a powerhouse festival with proceeds given back to both organizations. It’s a great community builder! And the Lions are so grateful for this increase in support. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Lion, please contact Membership Chair Shelly Stansbury at (414) 394-4931.
The growth of these festivals has allowed the Lions to step up their efforts in giving back to the community. Scholarships have been given to graduating high school seniors, donations have made to purchase instruments for the band, and financial support has been made toward the band’s trip to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Coming up – a trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena!
In addition, the Lions Club has partnered with the School District to support its Healthy Snack Initiative (see article in February issue of Life in the Village), and helped to sponsor a new scoreboard. Monies have also been donated to the Police Department’s K-9 unit, and the Park and Recreation Department’s Auction/Dinner. Plus, the Greendale Lions Club gives back to other initiatives through the Lions Clubs International organization. All of this is possible because of the success of Family 4th Fest and Village Days!
This year’s Family 4th Fest will kick off on Wednesday, July 3, starting at 4 p.m. and running until 11 p.m. Please note the new location by the Historic Hose Tower off Parking Street. There will be four full days of live musical entertainment with a variety of today’s hottest bands (see complete list in ad on pg. 2). Don’t miss the wine and beer tent, carnival rides and festival games for the kids.
A special treat awaits guests on Thursday morning, July 4, as we welcome the parade and a performance by the UW Badger Band and “Echoes of Wisconsin.” Then enjoy another full day of great music and food before the evening’s finale, with fireworks that start at dusk.
Friday night never disappoints with the famous Lions Fish Fry. The kitchen opens at 4 p.m. – and then enjoy more great music. Saturday festivities will again start at 4 p.m. For a more detailed listing of events, please visit the Lions Club website at greendalelions.org or see the ad on pg. 2.
Happy 81st Birthday, Greendale!The Greendale Lions’ entertainment/activities for Village Days will be held Thursday-Saturday, August 8-10 back at Gazebo Park on Broad Street (see related article on pg. 28). This year the Village of Greendale Parade will be replaced with end-of-day fireworks (at dusk) at Brinkman Field. You can catch some great entertainment and go onto Broad Street to watch the fireworks. Live entertainment will continue immediately following the fireworks.
Enjoy three full days of live music and craft wine and beer tents. Special opportunities include a Friday night Fish Fry, a Saturday morning Pancake Breakfast, and a Rummage on the Green. And don’t worry about the parking – a special shuttle will be running from the Greendale High School parking lot to make it much more convenient to attend the festival.
The Village of Greendale is well known for its festivals, and this year will be no exception. Join your family, friends and neighbors and come on down to Historic Downtown Greendale to enjoy these special summer events. Because of the community’s continued support, Family 4th Fest and Village Days generate much-needed and appreciated funding to give back to vital community programs. The Greendale Lions thank you so much for your patronage. For more information, please visit greendalefest.org. See you at the festivities!