Webster Groves Lions Club Carnival and Barbecue: A Ninetynine-Year Tradition of Fun and Community Support

WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. – The fairgrounds of Eden Seminary in Webster Groves are currently buzzing with the energy of amusement park rides and a festive carnival atmosphere.

“My daughter enjoys all the rides. My son will probably enjoy the carnival games,” shared Alix-Ann O’Brien, a resident of Webster Groves.

The Webster Groves Lions Club Carnival and Barbecue is proudly celebrating its 99th year. Festivities commenced on Wednesday and are scheduled to continue through Saturday.

“It’s always a fun, good start to the 4th of July weekend and the kids always enjoy it,” said Jeff Eldred, another Webster Groves resident. “We like coming out and supporting the community and everybody in Webster.”

Admission and Ride Information

A $35 wristband grants access to unlimited rides each day, with the exception of the 4th of July, when rides are ticketed. For those opting for tickets, a book of 40 tickets costs $20.

A Beloved Community Gathering

Becky Shelton, who serves as the carnival chair and president of the Webster Groves Lions Club, highlighted the event’s community significance. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, celebrating the 4th of July for Independence Day, and for everybody to feel like they can come in and see their neighbor and have a beer or sit in the food tent and catch up with friends from high school or the neighbor down the street that you don’t see as often,” Shelton stated.

Supporting the Community: The Lions Club Mission

Beyond the fun and festivities, this longstanding tradition serves as a significant fundraiser for the various charitable endeavors supported by the Lions Club.

Key Charitable Initiatives

Some of their notable efforts include:

• Providing free or low-cost eyeglasses for those in need. Shelton noted, “We do a lot of partnering with the local school districts to help kids who can’t afford eyeglasses to be able to get those.”
• Supporting local police and fire departments.
• Operating a backpack program. “We pick a charity each month and put bags together of items that they need,” Shelton explained.

Event Schedule and Special Attractions

This year’s carnival and barbecue feature exciting additions, including a fireworks display on the 4th of July and a captivating drone show on Saturday.

The carnival hours are as follows:

• Thursday: 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.
• July 4th: Carnival begins at 2 p.m.
• Saturday: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.