@font-face { font-family: “Cambria”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cambria; }.MsoChpDefault { font-family: Cambria; }div.WordSection1 { }Excitement mounts, as Seal Beach gets ready to host one of its most popular and longest running community events, the 72nd Annual Lions Club Fish Fry. For close to three-quarters of a century the Lions Club has fired up the fryers for its largest fundraising event of the year.
But who are the Seal Beach Lions? Lions Club International is a global organization dedicating to humanitarian efforts all over the world, and the Seal Beach Lions Club is the largest club in California and the second biggest in North America boasting over 320 members. Additionally, the Seal Beach Lions oversee four youth programs (LEOS) with more than 225 members ranging in age from 12 to 17.
Lion members come from all walks of life and include city officials, chamber board members, school board members, local police officers and lifeguards, local educators and of course local business people. Members reside in all five districts of Seal Beach and many of the surrounding communities. The Seal Beach Lions Club is known in the community as the “go to” organization for just about anything happening in town or the local school district. They are the first ones called when there is a need for manpower. Just about every event in Seal Beach has Lions involvement either in a lead or supporting role.
Most recently, the club donated a “town clock” to the community in recognition of the City’s 100th birthday. It sits at the foot of the pier proudly showing the Lions logo on its clock face. In 2016, the Seal Beach Lions Club was named the BEST OF non-profit organization in Seal Beach, and Fish Fry was named BEST OF community event by The Sun Newspaper. Annually, the club donates between $90,000-$100,000, some for community projects and the rest to worthy causes. It should be noted that 100 percent of the money earned from fundraisers goes directly to charities and community projects. All administrative costs and overhead are paid for by member’s dues.
The Seal Beach Lions Club’s motto is “WE SERVE.” First and foremost, Lions use their muscles, minds and hearts to better the community in any way they can. They also give generously to important local and international charities. Members of the Lions and Leos have expended more than 20,000 community service hours each year. Some notable projects of Seal Beach Lions include: the annual Christmas Parade on Main Street, the eyeglass recycling program, sight clinics, Beepball for the blind, Sailing for the visually impaired, community Lions Against Graffiti removal team, Honor the Teachers, and their very active Military Affairs Committee which works in close collaboration with active military and veteran programs. Additionally, there are dozens more of initiatives and long-term projects that most of the community doesn’t even know the club is involved with.
The Fish Fry, the single largest sustained event effort over two days always in July, is scheduled to take place on the weekend of July 16 and 17. It runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, under the Lions clock tower at the foot of the Seal Beach Pier. Deep-fried cod and fries supplied by South Coast Seafood will be hot and ready along with hot dogs and brats and ice-cold beer. Outstanding entertainment will be provided both days. Saturday will feature Sugar Lips, XNTricks, Robby Armstrong, and also The Jon Grillo Awesomeness Experience Band. Then Sunday will include Big Noise, Cruzin Judy, Joe Schmoe and finally Lucky Jack.
This year they will also feature a bounce house for the kids, generously donated by Baytown Reality. Of course, you cannot miss the opportunity drawing on Sunday afternoon where the Lions will be giving away a 2016 Jeep Patriot, a Pedego Electric Bike donated by Pedego of Seal Beach, a MacBook and an Apple Watch generously donated by Mac Fusion in Seal Beach. The event is being brought to you by the generous sponsorships listed above as well as Run Seal Beach, The City of Seal Beach, Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce and this year’s title sponsor Southern California Edison.
Visit sealbeachlions.org for band schedule, food options and pricing and even general information.
