The Chandler Lions Club and the City of Chandler again presented the annual Chandler 4th of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular, one of the largest Independence Day celebrations and fireworks displays in the East Valley at Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park.

In addition to fireworks, the event featured live music, a free kids carnival, a bike parade, and food and beverage vendors. Activities included a 35-foot water slide, 24-foot rock-climbing wall, dunk tank, and assorted water games and interactive amusements for kids. Radio station 98.7, My45 and Fox 10 was also there. The event climaxed with a 30-minute fireworks spectacular.

The event is presented annually by the Chandler Lions Club and the City of Chandler, along with the support of sponsors, including Kalil Bottling Company. “Many communities and organizations are struggling financially this year to produce Independence Day events,” said Lion John Stewart, a member of the Lions Club and chairman of the event. “We are proud to host this family event.” The crowd was estimated exceeding 40,000, filling the entire park. Besides a Lions information tent, the Hamilton Leos club operated a fund raiser, selling ice cream.

The Gilbert Lions Club is throwing its first annual Gilbert Bluegrass Bash on Saturday, January 15, 2011. The Bash will feature local Bluegrass family band, Whistle Stop, from Glendale, and from the East valley, Igor’s Jazz Cowboys. Igor has performed throughout the United States playing acoustic Western Swing accompanied by a a hot horn section. Just imagine Roy Rogers singing with Louis Armstrong’s boys. The show features music from the great southwest all the way to New Orleans. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Gilbert Lions Club at gilbertlions@hotmail.com, or 480/357-2654. Admission is $7 per ticket, or two tickets for $10. Proceeds from this event will provide eye exams and glasses for those in need, and college scholarships for Gilbert high school seniors. Join the Gilbert Lions in January for what’s sure to be a spectacular annual event!

Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller. And communities get better. That’s because we help where help is needed - in our own communities and around the world - with unmatched integrity and energy. Our 45,000 clubs and 1.35 million members make us the world’s largest service club organization. For more information about the Lions Club go to Lions Clubs International, or gilbertlions@hotmail.com or www.myspace.com/gilbertlionsclub".

For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Ron Rosinke, please call 480/357-2654, or email gilbertlions@hotmail.com.