'Moose's Mission' fundraiser in photos

On Saturday, Aug. 3, Lower Niagara Moose Lodge No. 584 proudly presented “Moose’s Mission,” a benefit for Lewiston’s all-inclusive playground project set to be built in Marilyn Toohey Park.

The event included games of chance for adults, large bounce houses for children, live music, a classic car show, a petting zoo courtesy of Shenandoah Acres, face-painting and food from village restaurants.

“Moose’s Mission” was organized by Village of Lewiston Deputy Mayor Vic Eydt and Ashley Olds – both members of the lodge. The goal was to offset some of the roughly $700,000 project cost.

Eydt said, “It went over pretty good. We don’t have final figures or anything yet, but I think we're going to be pretty decent.”

He added, “It seemed like everybody I've talked to said they had a great time.”

One of the most popular activities was a dunk tank featuring local elected leaders. Among the participants, Mayor Anne Welch and Assemblyman Angelo Morinello were sent into the water several times – many trips courtesy of grandchildren.

“You want to know something? That was one of the biggest hits we had at the whole place,” Eydt said. “Everybody had a riot doing it. All the politicians, they love doing it. They go, ‘This is great. It’s better than just going and talking to people. We actually got involved.’ … They all said they loved it.”

The nearly 14,000-square-foot inclusive playground will provide a welcoming recreational area for children of all abilities. Plans call for enhanced safety and shading features; sound, motion/movement and sensory-sensitive areas for kids with special needs; musical instruments; new "buddy" swings, We-saw seesaws and wheelchair-accessible slides; a seated zipline; open green space to interact or just stretch; and a splash pad.

PHOTOS:

Mayor Anne Welch in the dunk tank.

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello is about to go for a swim.

The Como Deli on Center

Casa Antica

The playground plans were on display.