hometown hoedown kicks off granting season

​The second annual Hometown Hoedown is right around the corner.  This event is not only a great time with activities and something for everyone, but funds raised go to further the Lyons Community Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving and encourage positive change in the greater Lyons Area.  LCF granting supports such area projects as the food pantry, Sandstone Summer Concert series, Holiday Parade of Lights,  public art installations, school enrichment and student scholarships, area beautification,  downtown landscaping and so much more.
The Hoedown will be held from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday July 24th at River Bend.  This idyllic setting along the river in Lyons is the perfect backdrop to sport your best western wear, celebrate community, and enjoy some good family fun. Activities will include laser tag, a balloon man, panning for gold, hula hooping, corn hole and other games and activities for kids.  There will be an old time dance with live music from Sage Grouse and Chris Kermit calling and a square dancing demonstration with none other than Ms. Laverne Johnson and the Redstone Ramblers.  Attendees can enjoy live music by Joe Kuckla and a picking circle sends a call to all local musicians to bring their instruments down and play in excellent company.
Smokin’  Dave’s will provide a delicious BBQ dinner and drinks from local favorites Spirit Hound Distillery and Oskar Blues will be served up by Lyons’ favorite bartenders from Garnish.  Hoedown attendees will also have an opportunity to win one of four great door prizes.  These include a night stay for 4 at WeeCasa tiny home hotel, a family membership to YMCA of the Rockies, a 2-hour horseback riding trip for 4 at Sombrero Ranch, and an Oskar Blues Brewery tour for 10 on the party bus with tastings along the way at OB breweries.   LCF would like to thank the Hoedown sponsors Xilinx, Cemex, Gateway Realty and Lyons Automotive as well as the many local business and volunteers that are contributing to make it all possible.  Tickets for this fundraising event are $25 for adults, $10 for kids and 10 and under are free.  Tickets and schedule:  www.lyonscf.org.
The Hoedown coincides with the kickoff  of LCF’s 9th Annual Community Support granting season.  In 2015, Community Support Grants totaled over $42,000 and were awarded to 24 individual projects.  None of this work would continue without the dedication, inspiration, hard work and financial support of Lyons area citizens.  Projects that were funded in 2015 included support for LEAF and the food pantry, completion of the Clarifier Community Art Project, Town of Lyons/Parks and Rec programming, the Lyons Leos youth service organization, and the Lyons Historical Society.  The LCF Rebuild Lyons continues to support flood relief and recovery.
Applications for Community Support Grants will be available online August 1st and are due by September 9th.  These grants are available only once per year and must be applied for in this time frame.  Awardees are notified in late October and announced at the LCF Annual Gala held on November 11th.  Application requirements are available on the website. 
The Lyons Community Foundation welcomes the participation of community members who wish to serve on the Grants Review Committee.  Being a grant reviewer is a fun way to learn about some of the exciting efforts going on in Lyons and aid in the LCF granting process.  Applications to serve on the Grants Review Committee will be accepted starting August 1st and must be submitted by September 6, 2016.  Instructions and information available at www.lyonscf.org.
 
The Lyons Community Foundation is proud to support projects and programs that enrich life in Lyons.  We serve to enhance area resident’s experience of community and encourage all to become involved through participation, volunteering or offering financial support.  For information and tickets and complete schedule for the Hometown Hoedown; granting information and applications, visit lyonscf.org.  

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