A large crowd enjoyed the annual High Desert Shooting Fun Fair last Saturday at the Lucerne Valley Lions Club and Shooting Range. Patricia Sullivan, For The Leader
By Peter Day
Senior Reporter
LUCERNE VALLEY — More than 950 people of ages enjoyed a day of shooting at the annual High Desert Shooting Fun Fair last Saturday at the Lucerne Valley Lions Club and Shooting range.
The record turnout mean thousands of dollars to event sponsors to the Lucerne Valley Lions Club Foundation and the Happy Trails Children's Foundation, which funds the Cooper Home for at-risk, abused or neglected boys in Apple Valley. The high volume of people flowed through the event despite dark, cloudy skies and initial winds that appeared to subside on cue, leaving a perfectly pleasant day for the occasion.
"I was concerned this morning," Joel Dortch, executive director of the Happy Trails Children's Foundation, said Saturday. "It was cold and windy as we were setting up. But I couldn't be more pleased with the turnout."
Lucerne Valley Lions Club member Julie Creason, who helped lead the event's organization, said the Fun Fair was moved up one week this year to not compete with Cinco de Mayo events.
Featuring free admission and free parking, the annual event provides an opportunity for experienced shooters or complete novices to try their hands at any number of firearms. On Saturday, youngsters were checking out .22 rifles and pistols while some of the more hardy attendees felt the shoulder wallop of the big .50 caliber rifle. There was target shooting of all types, and vintage firearms, such as those used during the Civil War and World War II, were available. Shooters paid a nominal fee for ammunition, and mandatory ear and eye protection was available for those who didn't bring any.
Attendees also had a chance to enjoy delicious sandwiches, chips and soda while listening to the talented Tessie and Calico Cats country-western band.
According to Dortch, 73, the thousands of dollars raised for his charity through the event was extremely appreciated. The Cooper home opened in 1997 as a facility for both boys and girls. Today, however, it houses 44 boys ages 12 to 16.
"It was determined there was a greater need for boys," Dortch said.
On the average, boys are there for 18 months and go through an in depth treatment program with a professional staff.
"Each boy has a case worker."
Following their stay, the boys go back to a family member, if appropriate, or foster care, he said.
"Of course we're never able to raise all the money for all the needs, but it's rewarding to see the changes in the boys," Dortch said. "Our goal at Happy Trails is to break the chain of abuse."
A collector of Western items, a highly figured leather saddle was on display at the event. Raffle tickets were available for $10 each. The saddle will be raffled off at a banquet on May 21.
For more information, visit www.lvlionsclub.com or call: (760) 240-3330. For more information on the Happy Trails Children's Foundation, visit http://www.happytrails.org/