Dear Editor,
The Fort Bragg–Mendocino Lions Club would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mendocino Railway — our own Skunk Train — for their continued generosity and partnership. Each July, Robert Pinoli, President and CEO of Mendocino Railway, graciously opens the old Millsite for our annual summer carnival. The location is perfect for the rides, games, and community fun, and the railroad allows the Lions to keep all proceeds. Their support makes an enormous difference.
This is the right moment to publicly thank Robert and the entire Mendocino Railway team for helping make our work possible. The carnival is one of our most important fundraisers. Last year alone, proceeds helped us award three $1,000 scholarships to local students; fund our annual Senior Dinner, a full Christmas Day feast delivered to hundreds of seniors; and support our free toy program in the Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Hospital Emergency Room.
Grandma Anne smiles while covered in plushies like those given away by the Lions Club.
That program matters deeply to us. Children arrive at the Emergency Room frightened and hurting, and a simple toy can transform one of the worst moments of their young lives. In 2025, Lions Club–funded toys were given to 1,505 children at a cost of $6,404 — every dollar raised by our club and returned directly to our community.
We also want to thank the Paul Bunyan Days Association for removing the concrete blocks in the Millsite parking area, making future events and carnival parking safer and easier for everyone.
The Fort Bragg–Mendocino Lions are celebrating our 89th year of service to this community. Our programs rely on volunteers — and we are proud of the dedication this town shows year after year.
• Senior Christmas Dinner: 450 meals prepared and delivered by 25 volunteers. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Fort Bragg Senior Center, which helps us coordinate both home deliveries and curbside pickups each Christmas Day.
• Summer Carnival: up to 40 volunteers supporting rides, games, and operations.
• Haunted Hall of Horrors: up to 65 volunteers creating one of the Coast’s most beloved Halloween traditions.
• Easter Egg Hunt: up to 15 volunteers making magic for local kids.
Both the Carnival and the Haunted House always need additional help. Community groups looking to raise money are encouraged to partner with us — when organizations provide volunteers, we share proceeds. It’s a win‑win that strengthens the entire Coast.
We also offer Lions Hall as a venue for large community events. Service organizations needing space are welcome to collaborate with us; we can work together and share proceeds to support local programs.
Lions President Clay is pictured here hard at work on the meal.
This year, we’re excited to launch a new, year‑round fundraiser: the Lions Den Escape Adventure, created in collaboration with the Kelley House Museum. This immersive experience explores the history — and mystery — of the Frolic shipwreck off the Mendocino Coast. Teams of up to five can choose 20‑, 40‑, or 60‑minute escape challenges. The Escape Room is open year‑round by reservation at 707‑961‑1727.
Our popular Haunted House — the Haunted Hall of Horrors — returns this fall on:
Friday, October 23; Saturday, October 24; Friday, October 30 from 7–10 p.m., and Saturday, October 31 from 6–10 p.m.
Recent proceeds supported the Fort Bragg Food Bank and the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund.
We invite the entire community to join us at this year’s summer carnival:
Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31 from 4–10 p.m., and Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2 from 12–10 p.m.
It’s a joyful end‑of‑July tradition for local families and an essential fundraiser for our service programs.
As we look ahead to another year of service, we are actively seeking new members. We need more hands and more hearts to keep these programs strong. We welcome anyone who loves this community and wants to make a difference. Join us for our monthly dinner social — held the second Wednesday of each month, with drinks at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Lions Hall, 430 E. Redwood Avenue. No reservations needed; just come meet us.
For questions about membership, events, or programs, contact us at fblions@mcn.org.
Thank you again to Mendocino Railway for their steadfast support, and to all who help us continue this work. We are proud to serve the Mendocino Coast.
Sincerely,
Clay Hummell
President, Fort Bragg–Mendocino Lions Club (2025–2026)
