Lions say thanks

The fryers are put away, the receipts are being counted, the cod in Alaska are swimming safer, and all the Lions Club members smell like Ben Gay cream, but the 59th annual Fish Fry is in the books. The results will be known very soon, and we are all excited about the return we will be giving to the community. The weather cooperated, although some said it was a little too warm.

One of the things we hear the most is that Fish Fry time is when folks see friends who they have not seen all year ? this year that was very evident.

All of us with the Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions want to thank the local community for its support. Lots of people witnessed the baby contest and the Miss Costa Mesa contest. Both of them are traditions that we Lions are proud to continue putting on. We even had one beauty contestant who told us she was previously in the baby contest.

We served more than 2,000 fish dinners.

Without the support of the community, the Lions would never be able to continue the event. The support we get from the community is responsible for us being able to continue our donations to worthwhile local groups, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Save Our Youth, the senior center and many others. The support has also enabled the Lions to work toward the eradication of preventable blindness worldwide through programs at Lions Clubs International.

We would like to especially thank many groups who donate their time at the event. Their efforts mirror what we do, and we could not go on without them. Groups and individuals such as Ivan Calderon at Taco Mesa; the Harbor Mesa Lions Club; the Costa Mesa-Orange Coast Lions; the kids from the Westside Boys and Girls Club, who do such a great job battering our fish; Tom Probert, our batter maker; CRR Transfer, which helps with the trash; the Ursini family from Newport Rib; the city of Costa Mesa; and many others.

One group in particular that helps year after year and makes our job so much easier is the Sea Scouts. Mike Stewart and his gang of scouts are always there when we need them.

Lastly, thanks to the members of the Costa Mesa Community Foundation for their efforts in working with the Lions to bring back an integral part of the Fish Fry, the parade. Lots of people tell us they want the parade back, and with the help of the foundation, it may just happen.

We will let our muscles rehabilitate for a couple of months and then get back to planning next year’s event, the 60th anniversary. Anyone interested in helping or joining us is welcome to call me at (714) 435-0300 or visit our website, www.cmnhlions.com.

Thanks again to everyone, and see you next year.