Lions Daze: The Carnival's Schedule Causes Confusion

The annual Lions Daze celebration, undoubtedly Sussex’s most anticipated summer event, is now just two weeks away.

Starting on Friday, July 13, the long weekend of carnival rides, fireworks, games and parades will hit on full blast. However, the carnival’s change of pace and scheduling has some residents asking questions.

Sussex Patch reader Pam Anderson says she’s confused by the multiple schedule changes Lions Daze has gone through in the last couple years.

“For years it (the parade) was held on Sunday at noon, and people would gather with their friends and families for an afternoon of fun; followed by the perfect end to a wonderful weekend...the fireworks!” explained Anderson in an email. “A few years ago, the fireworks were changed to Friday nights, and the parade to Saturday at 4:00. This year, the parade is Saturday at 10:00.”

"When you're sitting there at 3 p.m., it's awfully hot, and you just want to go home to the air conditioning, not back to the event."

But Sussex Lions Club representative Jim Long says the changes are a result of attendance and requests from people to make the event better. With 100 percent of proceeds going to chairty, Long says it's all about getting as many people to the events as possible. 

"The parade used to be on Sunday at noon years ago, and we changed it to Saturday at 4 p.m. before deciding to change it to 10 a.m. basically because of the input we received from everyone," Long said. "When you're sitting there at 3 p.m., it's awfully hot, and you just want to go home to the air conditioning, not back to the event. It also interfered with the time of the tractor pull, and people want to go to both.

"And the fireworks – they've been on Friday for something like 10 years," Long continued. "The basic reason is because everything is starting to wind down on Sunday, and the whole reason for the fireworks is to thank everyone for coming and supporting the charity."

So what do you think? Check this year’s schedule for Lions Daze and tell us what you're most looking forward to in the comments. 

Friday, July 13

• Lions Daze Opens – 6 p.m.
• Carnival Rides Start – 6 p.m.
• Men’s softball tournament – All night
• Bingo – 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Band: Sweet Tarts – 8 p.m. to midnight
• Fireworks – Dusk

Saturday, July 14

• Men’s Softball Tournament – All day
• Parade on Main Street – 10 a.m.
• Carnival Rides, Special $18 Wristband – Noon to 5 p.m.
• Sheep’s Head Tournament – Registration at 1 p.m., begins at 2 p.m.
• Tractor Pull – 4 p.m.
• Bingo – 6 to 10 p.m.
• Band: 76 Juliet – 8 p.m. to midnight 

Sunday, July 15

• Men’s Softball Tournament – All Day
• Sussex Lions Stimulus Day ($2 draft beers) – All Day
• Road Rally – 9:30 a.m.
• Carnival Rides, Special $18 Wristband – Noon to 5 p.m.
• Sheep’s Head Tournament – Registration at 11 a.m., begins at noon
• Camel & Pony Rides (Free) – 2 to 7 p.m.
• Firemen’s Water Fights – 1 p.m.
• Tractor Pull – 2 p.m.
• Bingo – 1 to 5 p.m.
• Free Balloon Sculpting – 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Band: Daisy Chain – 1:30 to 5 p.m.