By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
The sight of wooden lions ‘racing? along tables brought out a packed house on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall for what was the first of an annual event sponsored by the Lake Orion Lions
The fundraiser earned several thousands of dollars that will go to help support the charitable efforts of the Lions in the Lake Orion community.
The first-time event featured wooden lion cutouts that were decorated by area businesses or civic groups. Each business or group donated $150 and there was a limit of 24.
The Lake Orion Review’s lion, known as The Lake O’Lion Review, is expected to go into training soon for next year’s races.
Bets were placed by those attending. Odds were determined by amounts bet.
The lions were placed atop tables, large dice were rolled the lions moved toward the finish line as both bettors and the ‘jockeys? moving the critters cheered and jeered.
One of the ‘jockeys,? Jim Goebel, won four consecutive races by urging his lion on and even giving an occasional kiss to encourage it.
‘I was whispering in their ears and going to the whip on the backside,? Goebel said. ‘It must have been the jockey.?
Several Lions Club members said the community response was tremendous and several noted that they may need to consider a larger venue next year.
‘This is mind-boggling. We never expected this,? said event-co-chair, James Pettinato, of the turnout and support.
The event sold out of 24 lions in about two weeks. About 175 persons packed the hall, which has a capacity of slightly more than 200.
Pettinato said many of the Lion members already would like to plan something bigger for near year.
‘We will meet next week and discuss the good, bad and ugly and look at where we could go next year,? he said.
‘It’s been a great event and the winner is the Lake Orion community.?