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The LaGrange Lions Club is preparing for its 76th annual election day Bar-B-Que primary fundraiser to be held on Nov. 3 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

This year, COVID-19 has dictated additional safety measures. 

According to the Lions Club member Allen Smith, in addition to aprons, gloves and hair coverings for all participants, everyone will wear masks at all times, there will be temperature checks before anyone is allowed to participate in the food preparation, wash stations are being installed throughout the cooking and food prep area, and social distancing guidelines are being observed in all areas.

The election day Bar-B-Que is typically one of the three fund raising projects conducted by the Lions Club during the year, but that hasn’t been the case in 2020. 

The pandemic caused the cancellation of the annual golf tournament and LaGrange Field Day events. 

These three events have allowed the Lions Club to return more than $237,000 to the local community since 2013.

Smith said that the majority of the money is used to provide eyeglasses to any resident of Troup County that qualifies through LaGrange Personal Aid. 

The glasses are provided by Dr. Cliff Rainey and Dr. Jerry Overall at LaGrange Eye Clinic, and Dr. Brent Brown Eyecare.

Other charities include Troup Cares, Troup County Sheriff’s Home, LaGrange Personal Aid, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, Canine Companions, Camp for the Blind, and Leader Guide Dogs.  In addition, in 2018 the club endowed a $25,000 scholarship at LaGrange College for Dr.

And Mrs. Bill Fackler, a long time Lions member. 

Tickets for the Bar-B-Que may be purchased from any Lions Club member or by calling (706) 884-3952. 

Individual plates are $10, fully cooked four to five pound Boston Butts are $30, two pounds of meat are $20, and a quart of stew is $10. 

All food may be picked up Nov. 3 on the LaGrange College Campus just off Panther Way between the gym and auditorium. 

Tickets are required for all bulk items, Boston Butts, meat and stew.