Second Annual Hootenanny is a hootin' triumph for LCF and LEAF

What a spectacular way to celebrate the end of summer! Two of Lyons non-profit organizations, the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) and the Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF)  came together for a second year in a row to organize a community event like no other. The Hootenanny is considered “quintessential Lyons” with live music, cornhole, dance, a duck race, a silent auction, food trucks and a kidspace not to mention a well stocked bar. 
Many local families and visitors attended this community event at River Bend. The crowd grew as we got closer to the main act: Daniel Rodriguez and friends. You may know Charlie Rose and Ian Brighton as your neighbors. The setting for the live music was incredible as people sat on the stone patio, by the river, to listen to these talented musicians. We were very lucky that Daniel Rodriguez took time out from touring with the Lumineers this summer to come play at this charity event.
All people had to do was pivot around to see Mayama’s Dance Team perform their latest choreography. The Junior Dance Team showed us their contemporary dance number while the Senior Dance Team performed their hip hop number. Afterward, everyone was invited to learn how to dance the electric slide. Such fun!!
After live music and dance, it was time to head down to the river for the duck race. Thanks to the Lyons Leos, all 500 ducks had sold out by 3:30pm. Next year, the steering committee will be sure to order more ducks. At approximately 5:30pm, the Lyons Firefighters dumped the ducks off of the bridge on Highway 36. It only took five minutes for the first duck to make its way past the finish line. Congratulations to Josh Edmondson, Susan Knight and Sara Hayes for placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd respectively.
Throughout the afternoon, a cornhole tournament played out. After the final winners were determined, many kids and families stepped up to try their hand at throwing the beanbag of corn. Congratulations to Brian Gantzer and partner for taking 1st place! The kid space got moved to a new location this year, which parents appreciated as they could keep an eye on their children while listening to music and watching the cornhole tournament. Thank you to Rainbow Lightening for setting up such a whimsical space for children to play.
The main revenue generator was by far the silent auction. Many local businesses and individuals donated a total of 72 items totaling almost $20,000. Most items sold at 83% of market value, which is quite astounding. Happy winners went home with some really cool takeaway items, gift cards to local restaurants and/or gift certificates for some exciting experiences. The 2022 Hootenanny steering committee would like to thank all sponsors as their financial contributions made this event accessible to all. 
Lyons second annual Hootenanny was a hootin’ success raising almost $33,000 that will be split evenly between LCF and LEAF. This event was made possible with the help of many volunteers including the Lyons Volunteers, the Lyons Leos, the Lyons firefighters, past and current board members and so many others. We thank you for coming out and sharing our love for this community. Thanks to Betsy Burton and Mike Whipp, the Hootenanny is on the calendar for the next five years. To quote Robyn Sloan, “Don’t you just love this town?

​Daniel Rodriguez and friends entertaining the crowd at River Bend with some songs from his album “Sojourn of a Burning Sun”.

Lyons Leos scooping up the first ducks to arrive at the finish line. Congratulations to Josh Edmondson, Susan Knight and Sara Hayes for placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd respectively.

Mayama Dance Team members teach spectators the electric slide.