Alachua Lions Celebrate 85-Year Tradition, Time Honored Cattlemen’s Banquet Packs the House

ALACHUA ‒ With laughter echoing across the rolling pastures of Valley View, the Alachua Lions Club marked a major milestone on March 25, 2025, with its 85th annual Cattlemen’s Banquet — the longest-running Lions Club fundraising event in Florida.

The signature event, now held at Valley View at Santa Fe River Ranch, drew more than 400 attendees for an evening of celebration, charity, and camaraderie. From its humble beginnings in 1940, the banquet has grown into a cornerstone of community support, channeling all proceeds into local sight, hearing, youth, and service initiatives.

This year’s crowd enjoyed a festive cocktail hour on the veranda, where scenic views of oak-dotted fields set the tone for the night ahead. Inside the main hall, Alachua Lions Club President Jack Zuidema opened the formal program, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Lions District Governor Greg Seltzer. Longtime member Bill Johnson led a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America,” and Seltzer returned to deliver the invocation.

The evening’s host, real estate broker and former Alachua City Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr., served as Master of Ceremonies. Boukari’s lighthearted jabs and well-timed jokes kept the audience in good spirits, earning chuckles throughout the room.

Headlining the night was award-winning Nashville comedian and musician Jonnie W., whose guitar-infused comedy had the crowd roaring with laughter. His blend of storytelling and stand-up added a fresh twist to the evening’s entertainment lineup.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Cattleman of the Year award to Bob Crane, a respected figure in Alachua County’s ranching community. Surrounded by family and members of First Baptist Church of Alachua, Crane accepted the honor for his longstanding contributions to Florida’s cattle industry.

The night also included a silent auction, once again sponsored by the Alachua Woman’s Club, a dedicated partner of the Lions Club. Guests feasted on a hearty spread featuring aged, flavor-packed steaks, loaded potato casserole, fresh salad, and decadent desserts — all with assistance from the Santa Fe High School FFA Chapter, honoring the banquet’s agricultural roots.

The origins of the Cattlemen’s Banquet trace back to a small but impactful gesture in 1940, when Alachua Lions members rallied to support the Alachua High School FFA by bidding on a student-raised steer. That simple act of generosity sparked a tradition that now attracts dignitaries, ranchers, and residents alike. Past events have featured notable speakers such as President Jimmy Carter and Florida Governors Lawton Chiles, Bob Graham, and Buddy MacKay.

As the curtain closes on its 85th year, the Cattlemen’s Banquet remains a beloved celebration of community, heritage, and philanthropy — and plans are undoubtedly underway for its 86th return, promising more laughter, good food, and goodwill.

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