Lions Carnival returns to Port Colborne
Jerry Ursacki isn’t quite sure why people are willing to stand in line for two hours for doughnuts at the Port Colborne Lions Club Carnival.
But that doesn’t stop him and other Lions members from jokingly accusing doughnut maker Scott Wolfe of secretly putting something he shouldn’t into the tasty treats to attract people.
“It’s a carnival thing. You walk around, go on the rides, buy a raffle or car ticket and then stop to grab a doughnut,” said the chair of the carnival, which opens Thursday at 6 p.m.
He said thousands of doughnuts are made and consumed by the time the carnival is finished on Sunday.
“Scott does a great job … he goes non-stop. We have to send someone to stand in line at some point and let people know we’re not selling anymore,” said Ursacki.
Wednesday afternoon, Lions Club members were working to get booths set up at Lions Field, and World’s Finest Shows workers were setting up rides.
“We’re rushing to get things done. The heat has been for wicked for kids helping us out,” Ursacki said.
With the temperature expected to dip a bit, he said the carnival should be busy Thursday through to Sunday.
“As long as it doesn’t rain, we should have a great carnival,” he said of the Lions Club’s largest fundraiser for the year.
The 88th annual event runs 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The event also includes a fish fry Friday and bingo Thursday through Saturday.
The Lions are raffling off a 2018 4X4 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, with the draw taking place during Canal Days in August.
“It’s a really nice vehicle … fully-loaded.”