The 29th annual Freedom Disctrict Lions Club Spring Fling gave residents and businesses a chance to help the Lions Club assist local families in need, bringing thousands to the Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department carnival grounds Saturday.

The festival brought more than 80 vendors for the flea market and craft show in addition to entertainment and demonstrations from local groups, according to Gary Peltier, member of the Freedom District Lions Club and chairman for the event.

“We had a good turnout today. It’s one of our major fundraisers of the year where we’re trying to raise money to help the community,” said Peltier. 

His wife, Viki handled the vendors for the event, giving the Freedom District Fire Department free spaces to sell and make money for the rebuilding of the fire department.

“The event is open to the entire community. We have people come as far away as Glen Burnie, Cumberland and Bel Camp, Maryland,” said Peltier.

Proceeds from the event go toward Lions Club projects including dinners for local families in need, health equipment for those who can’t afford it, academic scholarships and more.

For the first year local Leo Clubs, an organization through the Lions Club for young adults out of Century and Liberty High Schools, helped out at the event, making food and assisting the Lions.

“I supply the hot dogs, hamburgers, and also run the sodas back and forth between the freezer and the stand,” said Ryan Peltier, member of the Century Leos. “It’s been great.”

“There have really been a lot of people coming to the event today,” said Emily Livesay, President of the Liberty Leo Club.

Kelli Kos from Tristar Martial Arts in Eldersburg was enjoying the food after her demonstration Saturday morning.

“It’s a great event. There are a lot of families out,” said Kos. “It’s a beautiful day and everybody seemed to enjoy our martial arts demos. It looks like everyone is having a great time and the French Fries are awesome!”

Lyn Tokar from the JoeyDCares Community Orchestra, a new group in the area provided live music for the event. “We are kind of on the ground floor getting our feet wet,” said Tokar. “This is our third concert and we are just trying to get community awareness right now. But he end goal for us is to help people to raise money for charity and events in the community.”