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As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, in Taylors Falls the season has long been linked with the Lions Club. Whether it be community bingo, the Lighting Festival, or Wannigan Days, the Lions presence is a certainty.

This year marks a significant milestone for the civic group. The Taylors Falls Lions are celebrating their 50th anniversary. In April of 1974, a group of 36 residents decided the town needed a civic group that could serve the community in ways above and beyond what city officials could do. There was already a Lions Club across the river in St. Croix Falls, so they sponsored the new club in Taylors Falls, which eased the process and the Taylors Falls Lions Club was officially chartered. The club has seen its membership ebb and flow over the years, from as many as 70 members to as low as 17.

The same year the club was chartered, members Wayne Breeden and Andy Swenson brought a big idea to their colleagues – engage the community to develop a new city park. That dream became the Lions Park along the St. Croix riverway. They were able to secure a contract with Northern States Power for 100 years to develop the park. The park has since doubled in size, now with two separate parks (North and South) connected by a hiking trail. The parks feature additional trails, picnic shelters (which can be reserved), play equipment, a fishing pier, as well as a much-used boat landing for the upper St. Croix.

Many residents and readers may remember the four years when both the Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls clubs held a very popular over the river Tug-of-War event. Hundreds attended to watch tuggers try and pull a rope (donated by Wild Mountain) to each side. There were fire departments, football teams, groups of friends, business members and even county commissioners who took part. The event was very popular and only had one slight hiccup - one year the spool of rope came off its holder and ran over senior member Wayne Breeden. Other than some scrapes and bruises, Wayne was fine and the event continued. Side note: St. Croix Falls ended up with three victories and Taylors Falls one.   

The Lions fundraised for a new play structure in 2014, and are currently fundraising for new play equipment in both parks. The Club also raised funds to install a fishing pier at the South Park, which was installed in the spring of 2022. The Club is responsible for installing and pulling the landing dock in and out each year, and assists the city in maintaining the parks throughout the year.

The Lions have helped many residents over the years, whether it be painting their house, cleaning up a yard or donating money. The are also active in cleaning up the city such as washing store fronts, trimming trees, and cleaning ditches.

Other achievements the Lions are proud of include: an annual scholarship to a deserving Chisago Lakes High School senior who attended Taylors Falls Elementary School; the donation of gift cards to the Elementary School each Thanksgiving and Christmas to be given to students whose families may have fallen on hard times. Gift cards can then be used for groceries, bills or whatever the need.

This New Years Eve, the club is excited to be holding an anniversary party and everyone is invited. The event, TF2025, will run from 7pm-midnight. It will feature 70's music along with beverages and hors d'oeuvres. A good will donation is requested to help cover the costs (suggested donation of $30.00) and would be very much appreciated by the club. To order tickets, you are asked to call 651-428-6203 or 651- 336-8611.

The Lions meet twice a month at the Taylors Falls Community Center. Any and all are invited to come to the meetings. They promise there is no pressure to join, but rather encourage the public to come see what that are all about.

If you see any of the Taylors Falls Lions out and about, make sure to thank them for what they do. Taylors Falls is a great community and the Lions Club is a great partner.

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