Lions Club Prepares for Morgala Days
Even with all the flooding, regular service projects, and with a danger from a equine herpes, the preparation for Morgala Days continues and is anticipated by the Morgan Lions Club. Morgala Days is the most significant fund raiser for the Lions club who provides service throughout the year to the county.
The Lions club was founded in 1929 with 35 members. The initial members included: E.E. Anderson, Dr C.E. Dorland, J.R. Tippetts, F.L. Parkinson, Gilbert Francis, G.S. Heiner, Joseph Williams, Thomas Butters, Harold Guild, Newell Cook, W.W. Porter, H.M. Neely, A.W. Francis, O.R. Stuart, H.B. Crouch, Frank Ulrich, H.H. Crouch, S.J. Olsen, John Heiner, J.G. Tucker, Roland Robison, Thomas Burton, Albert Welch, R.T. Fry, E.M. Abbott, Ralph Sanford, Reinhart Olsen, James Hopkin, Alonzo Hopkin, Don Durrant, Wallace Clark, S.D. Perry, Royal Thackery, Walter Ulrich, and H. Pratt Wright.
Over the years, tens of thousands of hours of service have been provided. The most visible of the Lions club service is the annual Easter egg hunt and Santa at Christmas time, but there are many projects that are done behind the scenes.
The first president of the Lions club was J.R. Tippetts. He served as the Morgan High school principal and superintendent. He began a legacy of service carried down to the current president, George Francis.
The Lions club has continually improved the Fairgounds. Between 1985 and 1987 the Lions club provided more nearly 1,200 hours of service at the Fairgrounds. In 1987 they added sliding chute gates, a brama bull pen, and a new top rail to the arena. They have added each year to the Fairgrounds including concrete support for the bleachers, additions to the lights and many other items. The Fairgounds would not be the same without the work of the Lions.
Whether it is planting grass along Commercial Street, providing glasses and equipment to help give sight to those in need, purchasing uniforms for the school, adding facilities to schools and the community, enhancing parks, helping with flooding problems, or providing leadership in the community, the Lions Club is at the heart of Morgan.
The membership of the Lions club reads like a who’s who of Morgan leaders. These leaders have learned by experience that those who lead best serve most.
The Morgala Days rodeo began in 1953 and has become a premier event in the county during each summer since. Participants from all over the west gather at the rodeo to compete and take home prizes. Those attending are treated to a great night of entertainment.
The Morgala Days Rodeo will be held this year on June 17 and 18 at the Fairgrounds. It is a great event and the funds raised support the incredible work of the Lions Club. Take some time this year and take your family to Morgala Days. It will be a great night and will support the Lions club in their incredible work.
