A hot and sunny day welcomed visitors to Rock Island State Park last weekend for the annual Lions Club Fall Festival. The event takes place in the sand bar area of the park, offering expansive water and mountain views for guests to enjoy while they shop at the variety of vendors.
Approximately 40 vendors displayed their wares of jewelry, food items, wood crafted items, holiday décor as well as home décor items.
“We did have some different vendors this year that we haven’t had in the past,” said Lions Club president Joyce Knowlton. “They seemed well pleased, and many have asked for info for next year.”
Bo Berlin, owner of Rocky River Woodworking, featured handmade wood items in his booth, including duck calls, pens and candleholders. His very attractive duck calls take two to three days to make, which includes time for the items to make the wood water resistant.
“I’m giving the Duck Dynasty guys a run for their money,” said Berlin. “All I have to do is sell 10 million more of these and that should make them nervous.”
Admission to the festival was free, but parking donations were taken by Rock Island Lions Club members to benefit their White Cane program which provides glasses for the needy. It was noted that 100 percent of the proceeds go to the program, and the club works directly with Rock Island residents.
“We do the eye screening at Eastside School, and we purchase glasses for them if their family can get them for them,” said Knowlton.
Rock Island Park Rangers worked both days of the festival, talking with visitors and manning their wildlife booth which featured a timber rattlesnake, a large musky freshwater fish, and a skinned opossum. They also worked with the younger set with their blow dart demonstration.
“This exhibit is to educate the public about some of the creatures that they might encounter while at the park or in their own backyard,” said park manager Damon Graham. 
Knowlton feels the park rangers being onsite is a big plus, and always a drawing crowd for the visitors.
“I like to have them here because they are extremely helpful,” said Knowlton. “They provide maps of the park featuring the many trails, and are always promoting the park.”
The Rock Island Lions Club is always open to new memberships, with people welcome to attend a meeting. They meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Rock Island Community Center. President Knowlton can be reached at 686-3565.