Review from a fair attendee:
On Saturday, June 21, my family and I decided to check out the Acton Lions Fair. From those who had attended in the past, their only tip was to “bring cash!”.
I looked online, but the only information I could find about prices was for wristbands that allow you to ride as many rides as you want in a four-hour time period. So, without knowing how long my eight-year-old twins and their ten-year-old cousin would want to stay or if they would even like it, we just showed up. With lots of cash. For $100, we got a card with 751 points on it. Each ride was worth anywhere from 26-45 points per person per ride.
The games were your typical carnival games, including pop the balloon, water races, and hit the bell, and each required additional cash to play. We tried the Spider Wheel, the Spinning Coaster, the Hyper Spin, the Super Slide, Thunder Bolt, Magic Maze, and a fun house.
By far, the best ride was the Thunder Bolt. From far away, it just looked like a coaster that goes very fast forward and then backward. What we didn’t anticipate was the swinging from side to side, which elicited lots of giggles and screams from us but may have given my mother-in-law a heart attack as she watched.
On the ride home, the girls declared together, “We loved the Thunder Bolt! The best was going really fast and screaming loud!”
All in all, we had a fun afternoon at the fair. I would buy the kids the wristbands next time and also get a card with points for my husband and me so we could do some rides. Hopefully, next time, it won’t be quite so hot, as shade was hard to find!
Thursday night buzz at the Fair
According to Acton Police logs, “Police responded to a report of bees attacking patrons of the Acton Lion’s fair on School Street. The insects were June bugs.”
About the Lions Club
From the Acton Lions Club website:
“The annual Lions Club Fair is a fundraiser for the Acton Lions Club, which currently has 70 members who give their time freely to help those in need and the less fortunate. We are one of over 45,000 clubs that comprises Lions Clubs International, the largest service organization in the world with over 1.5 million members in 185 countries. Lions are known worldwide for eye research and their service to the blind.
“Since 1955 the Acton Lions have contributed over $580,000 to the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, which is #2 among all Lions clubs in the State.
“In addition to eye research, the Acton Lions provide support to many local charitable organizations and community efforts. We also award several scholarships to graduating ABRHS seniors each year.
“Membership in the Acton Lions Club is open to all without regard to race, gender, religious beliefs, or national origin. For information about joining the Lions contact any active club member.”
Dr. Alison Nowicki is the chair of the Concord-Carlisle Regional High School Guidance and Counseling Department.