L-R: Alachua Mayor and Lions Club member Gib Coerper and Lions Club member Ralph Cellon. Cellon was honored with the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Progressive award at the 83rd Cattlemen’s Banquet

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ALACHUA ‒ On March 28, 2023, the Alachua Lions Club celebrated the 83rd Cattlemen’s Banquet, holding its largest charity fundraiser of the year to a packed house at Valley View, just outside of Alachua. Keynote speaker Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson delivered an enlightening overview of critical issues facing agriculture in Florida and around the country. His homespun delivery of childhood anecdotes about growing up on the family’s farm were both entertaining and informative. Wilton was introduced by State Representative and House Speaker pro tempore Chuck Clemons.

The annual Cattlemen's Banquet is the longest continuous Lions Club fundraising event in Florida, with all profits from the banquet supporting charitable sight, hearing, youth and community service activities. It all started 1940 when the Alachua Lions Club sought to bolster Alachua High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) students in their quest to raise a steer for auction. Lions Club members attended the auction and drove the bidding higher. Not only did their winning bid cover the FFA's cost, but it also provided additional funds to the FFA.

Each year the event grew, bringing many of the area’s cattle ranchers, politicians and residents to the event. For years the event was held at the Alachua Woman’s Club and attracted the attention of local and state officials as guest speakers including President Jimmy Carter, Florida Governors Buddy McKay, Lawton Chiles and Bob Graham. Eventually the event outgrew the Woman’s Club and was moved to a bigger venue at the Santa Fe River Ranch, and in 2022 the fundraising event was moved to an even larger venture at Valley View at Santa Fe River Ranch.

Last Tuesday was another fun filled evening of laughter and good food as nearly 450 people attended the event that was kicked off with a cocktail hour on the veranda overlooking rolling pastures dotted with sprawling oak trees. An event of this size takes months of planning as well as coordinating support from the 28 corporate sponsors who provided either funding or services for the banquet. The Alachua Woman’s Club, a longtime partner with the Alachua Lions Club, once again sponsored a Silent Auction. And, in keeping with tradition, the Santa Fe High School FFA Chapter was on hand to assist as guests helped themselves to the choice aged controlled steaks, loaded potato casserole, salad and dessert.

A number of county-wide politicians mingled in the crowd as well as city leaders, Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr., and Alachua Chief of Police Jesse Sandusky. When the doors opened to the main hall, guests were welcomed by Alachua Lions Club President Jeremy Thomas. The Pledge of Allegiance ceremony was led by Lions Club District Governor Charlie Largen, the traditional singing of “God Bless America” was led by Alachua Lions Club member Bill Johnson, and the invocation was led by Alachua Lions Club member Gladys McMillan.

Former City of Alachua Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr., served as Master of Ceremony and offered good natured jokes, many directed at attending guests, who took it all in stride as an appreciative audience laughed.

A special recognition paid tribute to longtime Alachua Lions Club member Ralph Cellon as he was presented with the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Progressive award by Lions Club member Gunter Hirsch. This year’s Cattleman of the Year award went to Edward W. Jennings (Ed), IFAS County Extension Director and Extension Agent.

The books are closed on this year’s Alachua Lions Club Cattlemen’s Banquet, but it will undoubtably be back next year for another rendition of good food and good times for a good cause.

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