Event Information
Join us in Fish Lake for a day filled with activities to benefit an amazing cause. The Mill Creek Community Lions Club is celebrating their 5th annual Lions Paws for Support Paddlefest on July 27th 9am-4pm central time. Proceeds benefit Lions Paws for Support, which sponsors the adoption of dogs from local shelters and rescues to be given to veterans in our community affected by PTSD as emotional support animals. Lions Paws for Support has sponsored four veteran/rescue dog matches this year with funds raised during past Paddlefests.
Come paddle - All skill levels are welcome! All paddlers please check in at the registration tent upon arrival at the Fish Lake Conservation Club (7873 E St. Rd. 4 Walkerton, IN 46574). Registration for the paddlefest is available now on Eventbrite.com. Search Lions Paws for Support Paddlefest. Registration is also available on the day of the event opening at 9:00 am (central). Entry donation is $20 per paddler. The IN-USCA point races begin at 10am. Novice races will follow around 12pm. The winners of these races are competing for prizes and bragging rights. The Fun Paddle is the most popular paddle event! It is open all day from 10am-4pm. You can paddle leisurely at your own pace and distance. A personal flotation device is required per paddler (we will have some available to borrow if you do not have your own). We will have a limited number of kayaks, canoes and paddle boats available for rent throughout the day on a first come, first serve basis.
This year, we’re excited to have a hospitality pontoon out along the racecourse, sponsored by Arconic. While paddling, don’t forget to stop and visit them to cool off with a cold beverage and snack! A special thanks to our picnic table sponsors as well, Hatfield Pest Control and Royal Curb. These will offer a nice spot to sit under the shade of an umbrella while taking in the fun of the day.
Lion Paws for Support Paddlefest has a lot more to offer family and friends. Entry fee to the festival grounds is free. Enjoy live music starting at 10 a.m. by the talented Ryan Panos, Daniel Lee James, Darren Grigsby and the Blue Heelers Band. Local artist Clinton Worthington will be painting on one of his current pieces. Get some shopping done and explore a different variety of local artisan and vendor booths. Purchase your tickets for the Lions 50/50 cash raffle and get your bids in for our silent auction. We will also have a face painter there for children. You do not have to be a paddler to enjoy a day full of family fun. Bring your picnic blankets or lawn chairs to chill out by the channel and cheer on the races! We will have the Door Village Lions Club Food Truck there when you work up your appetite. The Fish Lake Ball Club is hosting a Krispy Kreme fundraiser as well. Pickup will be at the festival starting at 9:00am. While picking up the donuts, grab a coffee at our coffee bar hosted by Hot Spot Café. Adult beverages for 21 and over will be available by Little Tavern, and they will also be selling raffle tickets for your chance to win some amazing prizes. Parking will be available at several spots along Highway 4 throughout Fish Lake, just look for the white ‘parking’ signs.
Veterans and active duty paddle free in any of our paddlefest events! There will be four stylists on site offering free haircuts for veterans throughout the day. The South Bend Mobile Vet Center will be there, along with Anam Cara Equine Therapy with their own booths with information for veterans. Lions Paws for Support sponsorships are currently available for veterans affected by PTSD. If you or someone you know could benefit from an emotional support animal, please email lionemilyhoward@gmail.com. Please visit our Facebook page, Lions Paws for Support, if you have any questions, and for further details about the event.
We are looking for dog trainers in the LaPorte area willing to help our veterans that are interested in training their dogs to service animal status. Pets N’ Vets is a wonderful program that offers no-cost training for veterans and their dogs at the Dunes Dog Club. However, they are located in Hebron, which has been too far of a drive for our veterans. We would greatly appreciate local help with training (at no-cost, or reduced cost). Please contact Emily Howard at the email previously listed if you are interested in donating your time.
This is a perfect family event filled with activities, food, music, and shopping. Not only that, by attending and donating, you are making a difference in the lives of our local veterans. We cannot wait to see you there! #paddlevibin
Fish Lake Community Conservation Club
Address:
- 7873 E St Rd 4
- Fish Lake, IN 46574