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Hugo Lions say Good Neighbor Days raised about $70,000; outline next-year fixes
Summary
The Hugo Lions Club told the City Council that the June Good Neighbor Days festival drew strong attendance, raised roughly $70,000 net for club operations and community programs, and identified parking, building access and signage as areas to improve for 2025.
Carrie Schwager, president of the Hugo Lions Club, told the City Council on Sept. 16 that this year’s Good Neighbor Days — held June 7–9 in the new Lions Volunteer Park and Peter Peterson Pavilion — was a success and an important fundraiser for the organization.
"We probably had, I would say, an increase of traffic and an increase of revenue that we received net wise, probably around 70,000 we were able to raise this year," Schwager said. She credited volunteers, sponsors and the city for support and said the funds cover the Lions’ operating needs, year-round causes and scholarships.
The Lions described a program of events intended to showcase the park’s new features: a pickleball tournament (about 60 registrants), a talent show called "Hugo's Got Talent," a parade, a kids zone (with a coin dig run by Royal Credit Union), a finger-jam event at the skate park in partnership with Hang Time Board Shop, live music, a craft and business fair with roughly 35 booths, bingo inside the building and fireworks sponsored by BB Landscaping.
Schwager said the club awarded six $1,000 scholarships to Hugo-area residents this year and uses proceeds to support the food shelf, Yellow Ribbon Network and other local needs. The Lions also provide emergency assistance when the fire department reports a home disaster, typically a $500 donation to help immediate needs.
On logistics, the club reported parking remained a challenge and urged greater use of the free shuttle service paid for through Raybine Transit; this year the Lions added overflow parking at Hugo Feed Mill, U.S. Bank and St. John’s on 61 with shuttle pick-up at the park’s northwest corner. The Lions said they will provide improved map handouts next year and coordinate building access with the city — concerns raised after attendees wandered the building outside event hours.
Schwager closed by presenting a plaque thanking the city for "outstanding support and generosity on behalf of members of Hugo Lions Club." Mayor White and councilmembers accepted the plaque and posed for photographs.
The Lions asked for continued city coordination on building access and communication to increase shuttle use; they also said Chris Clausen will serve as event manager next year.
