By Roger Allen
Montezuma Lions Club will be hosting its annual Toy and Craft Show Saturday, Jan. 28 and to encourage the public to attend there will be no admission charge. The show will be held in the high school’s central gym.
Show hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The show includes a growing number of craft vendors, along with a vast array of collectible and consumer toys and other novelties for all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the school’s concession station.
Everyone attending will be eligible for a door prize, with drawings being held periodically during the day. Separately, tickets may be purchased for the drawing for a grand prize.
According to Ron Hensel, show chairman, exhibitors have been reserving tables at a pace comparable to or above previous years, with more than 50 tables expected to be reserved by show day.
A miniature farm layout will be on display, courtesy of one of the new vendors.
Leila Henkle, wife of the late William “Bill” Henkle, a longtime Lions member and supporter, has donated a major portion of his toy collection, which will be for sale by silent auction. One-half of the proceeds from the sale of those toys will go to the Montezuma Lions Club and the other half will go to the American Legion Post 169 building fund. Approximately 40 units of trucks and tractors will be in the silent auction.
There will be many repeat participants plus several new vendors. Exhibitors are still being accepted and table rent is $20 per table. If interested, contact Chairman Hensel at 515-979-2705.
The show is a fundraiser for the Lions club. It has been an annual event since 1994 except for 2021 when the show was not held due to the COVID pandemic.
Admission is free this year is because it has been paid via a donation from Home Plate Sports Cards of Oskaloosa, owned by Lions club member Eddie Pierson.
The Lions encourage you to come support the show, even if it’s only for a few minutes, as it promises to have something of interest for all ages.
The sponsoring Lions will have a set up time beginning about 9 p.m. on Friday, after the basketball games.