2021 Lions Carnival Queen Braylee Gilmore crowns 2022 Queen Ella Wise during Saturday night’s Queen Pageant. Pictured, from left, are Gavin Rinders, Sara Wiese, Kai Williams, first vice president Chloe Velasquez, Patrick Dunn, Trenton Clevenger, Ella Wise, Braylee Gilmore, second Lanna Vanderpoel and Ridge Funkhouser. Photo from Enquirer~Democrat by Erin Sanson.
By ERIN SANSON
Questioner~Democratic Reporter
The 78th annual Lions Carnival returned to East Main Street and Carlinville Square on September 9th and 10th. The last two carnivals were canceled or held in a modified format due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, three years since the last regular carnival, both children and adults were excited to be back and have fun.
The Carnival of Lions kicked off at 6pm on Friday, September 9 with a parade. Games were played, rides were taken, cakes were won and fish sandwiches were bought until the culminating event.
Family, friends and supporters flocked to the stage set up at the intersection of East Main and East Street to find out who would be the 2022 Lion Carnival Queen. Queen candidates had been selling their tickets all summer long, competing for the title.
Although the clouds remained high and the wind began to pick up, the rain forecast for September 10 lasted until shortly after the winner was announced before a downpour.
Ella Wise, 17-year-old daughter of Maureen and Arby Wise, was crowned the 2022 Lion Carnival Queen. Wise is an assistant at Pixie Salon. She plans to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale to major in Dentistry.
Chloe Velasquez was named first place and Lanna Vanderpoel was named second.
Velasquez is the 16-year-old daughter of Roland and Monica Velasquez. She plans to attend college to further her education.
Vanderpoel is the 17-year-old daughter of Jim and Larry Vanderpoel. She plans to attend Missouri State University after high school.
Between the six competitors it was announced that approximately $23,000 was raised for the Lions Club to help fund local charities and events.
Wise was joined by Trenton Clevenger, Velasquez by Patrick Dunn and Vanderpoel by Ridge Funkhouser. Other contestants were Amelia Cosenza, accompanied by Aaron Wills; Lillie Reels, accompanied by Rex Reels; and Sara Wiese, accompanied by Kai Williams.
MCDD staff and students made over 130 cakes to donate to the Lions Club to run the popular cake walk. Photo from Enquirer~Democrat by Erin Sanson.
Over the years the Bucking Broncos have been a popular ride for children and adults at the Lions Carnival. Photo from Enquirer~Democrat by Erin Sanson.
