SOMEBODY up there was certainly smiling down on the Port Shepstone Lions this past weekend… for a change.
But that ‘somebody’ obviously has a mischievous streak in HER as she teased the show organisers with a few gentle showers that did get hearts aflutter.
After all, in the past, Lions incurred her full wrath by smiting them with full blown floods!
They have such a complex about it that Super Lion Dennis Meyer openly states: “If you want rain, ask us to put on a show.”
Thankfully, the few drops didn’t put a damper on what must surely be the show-of-all-shows over the past 30 or so years. (It could be 31 as memories are a little hazy. Blame the beer tent.)
There will always be the odd hiccup, of course. For example, the master of ceremonies for Thursday night’s comedy show mistakenly introduced comedian Aaron McIlroy as a ‘past pupil of Port Shepstone… Country Club’? Take heart, young Dwayne, and don’t be too hard on yourself. It takes guts to stand up and do that sort of job in front of 1 000 boozed up people.
Ask your counterpart at the Miss South Coast Beauty Pageant two evenings later who had to be told by choreographer Kirsty Orsmond to avert his eyes while the young beauties were in the middle of a costume change backstage.
(Kirsty, girls… I promise I didn’t see a thing, but I’m still blushing.)
To be too critical of such an event is really harsh as it’s all put together by enthusiastic amateurs for no reward at all, except the knowledge that they have provided a huge amount of fun for South Coasters and visitors alike. Plus, all the profits are ploughed back into worthy causes.
One person was overheard accusing the Lions and their army of helpers of “drinking the profits”.
For the record, nothing could be further from the truth. The army of helpers wouldn’t be human if they didn’t enjoy a tipple or two themselves, but it’s at their own cost. To the idiot who made the comment (you know who you are), put that in your joint and smoke it. (And don’t go crying to Lions if you need help to pay for treatment for any lung ailment.)
The Lions and all their helpers are absolutely pooped after a magnificent effort… and skint from buying their own liquids and solids for four days. If you meet one in passing, give him or her a pat on the back. That’s all the payment they want in return… and they will really appreciate it.
Show co-ordinator Jean Masson and President Jeff Smith, you and your teams really roar.
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