For the first time in three years, the Madison Lions Club will be hosting one of its most important fundraising events: the Lions Flea Market on Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Madison Green. The event, now in its 48th year, had been canceled twice due to the pandemic and this year’s market is hoping to draw shoreline residents to a day of food, fun, and lucky finds.

Lions Treasurer Dick Borner said getting back on the fundraising track has been a long process for the organization, but they are anticipating a solid return with the flea market event.

“The pandemic really affected our ability to fundraise, so obviously this is an important event. In the past, this has been or biggest money maker, and that money is all donated back out to the community, so this is a truly important event for the organization,” said Borner.

“Since we haven’t held it for two years, obviously our budget is down and we haven’t been able to give out as much money as we have in the past, though we truly appreciate all of the efforts and donations during the pandemic,” he said. “We simply don’t have those funds anymore, so it is important for residents to come out and support the Lions and take advantage of the opportunities the flea market offers.”

Madison Lions Club was established in February 1956 and for 65 years has been working to serve the Madison community and beyond. According to the club, the Madison Lions is the oldest active Lions Club in New England.

Madison Lions Club provides monetary support to local civic and charity organizations and the organization is known for its tireless support of vision related causes activities in Madison and the state. Beyond the town, it regularly supports Lions District activities in the State of Connecticut, such as Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation, Lions Eye Health & Screening Program, Lions Low Vision Program, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Connecticut Radio Information Service, and diabetes awareness efforts, according to Borner.

Borner said the club continues to support the international charity activities sponsored by Lions Clubs International (LCI) through its charity foundation (LCIF). Madison Lions Club contributes generously to LCIF’s world-wide relief efforts on maintenance of eye health and preservation of sight-related activities.

“The important thing is to encourage folks to come down and stroll through the market. The funding is critical and you never know—you might find a treasure. No promises, but you never know what you might be able to find,” said Borner.

The Lions Flea Market will take place on the green on Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors are welcome to register the day of the event, as space is still available.

The event is free to the public. For more information, visit the Lions on FaceBook (Madison CT Lions) or at sites.google.com/view/madisonlionsclub/home or email Dick Borner at dasaborner@aol.com.