44°
SOMERS - Somers residents and guests started rolling up to Reis Park about 9 a.m. on Saturday, lugging along their beach chairs, picnic baskets, kick-balls, blankets and sunblock. Those who toted umbrellas were relieved to find there was little use for them.
The day kicked off with the Lynn Adams Memorial Run & Walk-a-thon. "It had an all-time turn out record," said Jim Chisholm, Lions Club Vice President and Emcee. "Over 270 people participated. I'm extremely pleased."
While Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy manned the hotdog stand, Lions Club volunteers kept the coals aglow for the day-long barbecue. The cotton candy booth was crowded with kids and grownups alike. It was sponsored by the Patrick Casabona Jr. Memorial Fund and all proceeds went to the charity. Casabona was a Somers High School graduate who was tragically killed in 2008.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Friends of Karen are just two more of the many charities benefiting from the event. A special raffle this year was held to aid a local family in financial distress. The prize was a television set and the proceeds came to over $2000.
The grand raffle was for a $30,000 Camaro, with tickets selling for $100 each.
The grand finale included the Fireworks Display. Jim Chisholm estimated that there were at least 1000 people in the audience. "The fireworks cost $10,000 to produce, and all of that money was donated. We owe thanks to many, many people. And IBM and Pepsi have been especially generous."
Paul Sussmann, a past president of the Lions Club, said, "Somers is all about community. People who come along as guests are always in awe of the Somers community spirit."
Click here to follow Daily Voice North Salem and receive free news updates.
