The Pine Bush Lions Club held its first annual Christmas in July event Saturday, July 24 in the park by the gazebo.

“I think it went really well,” said Vice-President and event organizer, Tracy Wilson. “We did this to boost community morale and bring the kids out since our December event was canceled due to Covid. We’ll probably do it again next year.”

A variety of vendors including crafts, holiday themed items, art, and specialty items were on site. Club president, Steve Decker, held the chair of honor, welcomed and encouraged children to chat with him for a minute or two as excited family members snapped pictures of the fun. Children were given lei necklaces, offered oversized cookies home-baked by Lion Kelly Alday, bottled water, invited to create Christmas ornaments, and write or draw on the sidewalk with chalk – all for free!

“We are also welcoming new members,” added Wilson. “For those not familiar with us and what we do, we are a service organization and give back to the community through blood drives, road clean-ups, scholarships, accepting donations to the local food pantries, raising funds to offset costs for childhood cancer and of course, supporting the Lions focus many are most familiar with related to vision, eye exams, and accepting glasses.”

The Harvest Festival, is a Lions Club event, and held this year on September 18. Wilson said, “We are still accepting vendors. This year we are adding a Touch-a-Truck exhibit and as in the past, Main Street will be closed. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Farmer’s Market.”

For those interested in volunteering or supporting the Pine Bush Lions Club, they are available on Facebook and can be reached at (845) 744 – 5648.