Club events
13 March | Rotary clubs of Chicoutimi and Rive Nord Du Saguenay, Quebec
La Saint-Patrick du Saguenay
More than 400 people are expected to attend this St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Saguenay’s Chicoutimi district that has become an annual tradition for the two clubs and raises funds to support local projects. The festivities take place in the old harbor building along the Saguenay River. A poutine bar showcases the celebrated Quebecois dish of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, while some half-dozen regional breweries pour craft beers.
14 March | Rotary Club of Riverside Sunrise, California
Black Tie Bingo
For more than two decades, the club has organized an annual formal-dress bingo event to raise funds in support of projects for the community. This year, guests are invited to wear a “sparkle of green” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day and play “jukebox bingo,” in which bingo numbers are replaced by popular songs. The evening includes dinner, live music, and a silent auction.
21-22 March | Rotary Club of St. Albans, Vermont
Home & Recreation Expo
More than 5,000 people each year flock to this two-day expo in which local companies exhibit their goods and services. Visitors can peruse the booths of landscapers, builders, real estate agents, and other vendors and try samples of food from businesses including Franklin County maple producers. First held in 1992, the event has raised more than $1 million over the years to support local projects and nonprofits.
Tell us about your club’s upcoming event: Write to magazine@rotary.org and put “calendar” in the subject line. To be considered for inclusion in Rotary magazine’s print edition, submissions must be received at least five months before the event.
28 March | Rotary Club of Round Rock, Texas
The BBQ Thing
The historic grounds of the Old Settlers Association of Williamson County are the site of the club’s third annual finger-licking feast. The ticket price covers a barbecue dinner, dessert, and two drinks; there will also be a cash bar. Live music and games make for a Saturday evening of good old-fashioned fun and camaraderie. Event proceeds support local nonprofits.
28 March | Rotary Club of East Los Angeles
Centennial Casino Night Gala Celebration
This year’s gala offers an exciting evening of games, entertainment, and community as the club celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since its founding, the club’s members have been dedicated to supporting local students, having awarded 128 scholarships totaling $110,000. In honor of the milestone, they aim to raise $15,000 to continue their legacy of service and scholarship in the community.
2 April | Rotary Club of Grand Prairie Metro, Texas
Poker on the Prairie
Grab a seat and toss in some chips at this Texas-sized hold ’em tournament. For a $100 buy-in, each participant will play for a charity of their choice from a list of dozens of local charities, including Playgrand Adventures (a playground designed for all ages and abilities). The top three players will take home prizes and all players earn tickets for a chance to win raffle prizes.
4 April | Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley, Utah
Easter Car Show
This car show has been an Easter weekend tradition in southwestern Utah since the 1980s. Each year more than 10,000 people flock to downtown Hurricane, a small city near Zion National Park, on Saturday to admire some 300 antique and modern vehicles and shop from dozens of local vendors. Most of the proceeds support the club’s signature cause, youth mental health.
4 April | Rotary Club of Hardin County, Texas
Easter Egg Hunt
Children can seek out 20,000 plastic eggs at the city of Lumberton's event, which is coordinated by the Hardin County club, during waves for each age group. Volunteers from several local organizations, including high school students and boy scouts, help out during the event. Local churches give away refreshments like canned drinks, water, cookies, and cotton candy, as well as invitations to Easter services. The Shriners send clowns to make balloon animals for the kids. The local fire department brings fire trucks and on occasion a rescue helicopter for the children to explore.
11 April | Rotary Club of Marble Falls, Texas
0.5K Fun Un-Run: A Race from the Recliner to the Couch
Organizers of this “gloriously lazy” race call it “the most epic 1,640 feet you’ll ever ‘run,’” stressing that running is “absolutely not allowed!” People of all ages are welcome to participate, with adults choosing among three levels of commitment: Sofa Sprinter (complete the full course); VIP, or Very Idle Participant (skip to the finish line), and Pajama Jogger (take part virtually). Those who gather in person will enjoy refreshments and live music. Event proceeds benefit local and international projects.
11 April | Rotary Club of Greater Chino Hills, California
Multicultural Festival
The club’s signature annual fundraiser, this festival celebrates the richness of the cultures in the Chino Hills area, including those originating from Bulgaria, China, India, Korea, Mexico, and the Philippines. The free event includes music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, displays of traditional and modern dress, and samples of international cuisines. Funds raised during the festival support local and international community projects.
11-12 April | Rotary Club of Salida Sunrise, Colorado
Chaffee Home & Outdoor Living Expo
Held at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds, this business expo has been a popular spring event in the Rocky Mountain county for more than a decade. More than 60 local and out-of-state companies will showcase home-related products and services, including window treatments, lighting, fireplaces, patio furniture, greenhouses, and landscaping. Attendees can connect with industry experts and get inspired to take on home repair and improvement projects. Proceeds benefit local projects, nonprofits, and scholarships.
18 April | Rotary clubs of Ankeny and Ankeny Evening, Iowa
Roaring Twenties Charity Event
With a combined 100-plus members, Ankeny’s two Rotary clubs team up annually to host a community fundraising gala. This year, the event has a roaring twenties theme, with guests encouraged to dress in their spiffiest 1920s-style duds. The night begins with socializing over drinks, followed by a catered dinner. There will also be live and silent auctions. Since the gala was first held, in 2011, more than 50 local organizations have benefited from the proceeds.
24-26 April | Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise, Florida
Tennis 4 Cancer
The club partners with Eagle Harbor Tennis in nearby Fleming Island to put on this doubles tennis tournament, in which players compete across several skill divisions. The registration fee includes meals and a Friday night party on the court and proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and local nonprofits. Over the past 13 years, the event has raised more than $500,000, most of which supported people with cancer and their caregivers.