America just marked 250 years of independence, and to celebrate, two Felida residents brought back the long-running July 4th Kids Parade and Picnic at Felida Community Park. The event had faded in recent years, but Jeffrey Reddicks of the Salmon Creek Lions Club and John Stubbs, President of the Felida Neighborhood Association, decided it was the right time to revive it.

 “We had over 100 kids and families join the parade with their bikes and scooters, dressed up in costumes and making lots of noise,” Stubbs said. “We were amazed by the turnout from the Felida community.”

Volunteers from the Lions Club and the Neighborhood Association organized and ran the event. Lions Club members grilled free hot dogs, donated by the Felida Market, and handed out chips, water and treats to everyone who came.

“Our motto is we serve,” said Reddicks. “One of the ways we do that is to provide free vision screening to kids at the picnic and at local schools and Head Start programs throughout the year, giving families an important service.”

About 20 local businesses set up booths at the event, and both the Felida Fire Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office joined in. Kids lined up to take photos inside a fire truck and a sheriff’s vehicle.

“We grilled almost 700 hot dogs, and kids had a blast with nonstop games and activities,” Reddicks said. “Club members also helped recycle and recover about 75 to 80% of the event’s waste, making a difference beyond just the fun.”

The Lions Salmon Creek Club and Foundation volunteers serve the community year-round by picking up waste in public areas, donating to local food banks, providing free vision screenings, supporting activities related to childhood diabetes and cancer, and many other endeavors. At the international level, the Lions Clubs aid disaster relief efforts as needed.

If you’re interested in learning more or joining the Lions, visit https://salmoncreeklions.org/