August 30, 2023 Issue, Page 11 of 28

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Za Mi U Burgers And Rodeo Elk City Lions Club has provided concessions at the Elk City Rodeo since about 1950 Lions Club since he became a member not able to stand on her feet and make fifteen years ago, and four years prior hot dogs like she used to, but she helps to that. clean up the stand before it starts, The Elk City man heads to the rodeo wiping down counters, setting up grounds on each day of rodeo by 9 am, crock pots, and laying things out and to make and bag cotton candy. By 3 washing dish cloths after each night of pm, he's one of the crew frying burg- rodeo. “Ido my part,” she said. ers on a big grill, keeping them warm She loves helping and seeing folks in beef broth in crock pots, ready for she knows. “I visit with the people who hungry fans. Food and supplies are or- come to the window,” she said. “The ganized and readied, with a trailer to whole atmosphere I enjoy.” keep the cold things cold. Her daughter Karen also helps. Both After serving hungry fans, it's clean- women have been state Lions club gov- up time, and time for bed, before the ernors, of which Karen thinks they are next busy day begins. the only mother/daughter duo in Li- It takes 200 lbs. of sugar to make ons International to hold that role. enough cotton candy - about 1400 ‘The concessions stand has changed bags’ worth -to get through the rodeo. over the years. In the early days, it was ‘The Lions Club serves 1,200 hamburg- boards laid across 55-gallon drums. ers, 800 hot dogs, 160 Ibs. of popcorn ‘The early concession stand had no air (about 1,100 boxes), and 8,000 bottles conditioning, but in 2013, the rodeo Elk City Lions Club member Karen Blanton (in forefront) puts hot dogs on the warmer. Debbie San- of beverages, to keep rodeo fans hy- built a new ticket office, and the Lions dusky, a Canute Lions Club member, gets buns ready. Photo courtesy R. Nicolaus. drated. Club acquired use of the old ticket of- Lora Blanton has been helping at fice, with good air conditioning. the Lions Club concession stand every As Lions Club members have gotten Elk City, Okla. - August 21, 2023 - at the Elk City Rodeo. on Labor Day weekend, serving ham- year except for two, since she joined older and membership has dwindled, For the past 70 years, the Elk City Li- Since about 1949, the club has run burgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks. the Elk City Lions in 1994. ons Club has been feeding rodeo fans the concession stand at the rodeo, held Quenton Elliott has helped with the At the age of 87 years young, she’s See Burgers page 4. Have Fun At The Rodeo! THRUTUBING 116 W. 3rd 1501 20th Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 > After Hours hy Appointment + 24 Hour Customer service www. MyAgentDG.com * www.nyS80agent.com > www.nyOKagent.com 980-225-3442