The White Hall Lion’s Club is commemorating its 75th Homecoming Celebration this year. The event is held annually on the 4th of July, and not only celebrates the city of White Hall, but also the United States’ Independence Day. In order to adequately honor this landmark anniversary, many enhancements have been made to this year’s event.
This year’s theme is 75 Years-Then and Now, and Lion Club members hope to see it integrated into various parts of the three day event. The theme, however, will be most noticeable during the celebration’s annual parade, as various floats represent 75 Years-Then and Now. The parade will be held on Thursday, July 3rd, starting at 7 PM. The parade route will begin at the North Greene High School and will end at the White Hall Lions Park.
The bulk of this year’s event, however, will not be held at White Hall Lion’s Park, where it has been held in recent years. The festivities have been moved to White Hall’s Custer Recreational Park, also known as the White Hall Rez, located on East Lincoln Street. This larger park allows more room for the increased number of activities. A gate fee of $3 per person will charged to all individuals age 13 and over.
Following the July 3rd parade, pork chops, porky burgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase, courtesy of The White Hall Lions Club. The carnival will be open during that time, as will a Bingo Tent. A 50/50 Drawing will be held that evening, and various craft and food vendors will be on site. A beer tent will also be open and it will host Carrollton native Jon Evans, performing at 8 PM.
The July 4th activities start early, with a fishing tournament beginning at 6 AM. Registration for the fishing tournament begins at 5 AM. Interested participants are encouraged to contact Tom Lakin at 217 374 2345
The day continues on with a 5K Run, with all proceeds benefitting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The race starts at 8 AM with registration beginning at 7 AM. The race will be followed by a Softball Tournament beginning at 8:00 AM, and a Volleyball tournament beginning at 9 AM. Lions’ Famous Bar-BQ Sandwiches will be available for purchase beginning at 11 AM.
The evening entertainment includes The Hip Bone Sam Band, who will perform on the main from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, as well as Flatland Band, who will perform in the Beer Tent from 10 PM to midnight. The Fourth of July fireworks will light up the sky at 9:30 PM.
The celebration continues on July 5th, with a flea market taking place from 7 AM to 2 PM. The Softball Tournament will carry on, beginning at 8 AM. A cardboard boat race will take place at 1 PM, and a car show will be held from 10 AM to 4 PM.
On the evening of July 5th the celebration’s grand finale takes place with a concert beginning at 7 PM. Country music chart topper, Frankie Ballard, who is best known for his hit song Helluva Life, will take the main stage. The Devin Clemons Band will open for Ballard, as well as perform in the Beer Tent following Ballard’s performance. Tickets for the concert are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Tickets may be purchased from County Market in Jacksonville, Carrollton Bank in Carrollton, United Community Bank in Greenfield, Price’s Country Gardens in Roodhouse and Sheppard’s Hardware in White Hall.
For more information about any of the events, individuals are invited to contact White Hall Lions’ Club President Ron Gilmore at 217 374 2491.
I have heard there will be no carnival ‘this year. Is that correct? And will all activities be out by the Rez? Is there nothing at Lion’s Park?