The 2025 District A9 Lions Convention

Welcome!

As the 2025 host, the Orangeville Lions Club would like to welcome you to this site and the highlights you need to know for the 2025 District A9 Lions Convention.

The theme of the 2025 convention is “One Team – One Dream”.  As a group of dedicated Lions, we all strive to improve our local communities and adhere to the Lions International Motto “We Serve”.   Attending the 2025 District A9 Lions Convention will provide additional learning opportunities as well as informal networking opportunities to share community service ideas with other Lions.

The 2025 District A9 Lions Convention also supports the 2024-2025 theme of District Governor, Lion Tim Meyers, “Team Work – Makes the Dream Work”.

Date:

The convention will take place from Friday April 25 to Sunday April 27, 2025.

Location – Convention Venue and Headquarters (John working on one map indicating both the venue and hotel locations)

Monora Park Pavilion
500 Monora Park Drive,
Mono, ON L9W 0E1

 (insert map)

Convention Highlights

Of course, we have to do some serious Lions business including the District Cabinet and convention delegates, voting on our leadership for the following year, a meeting of Past District Governors, as well as a Memorial Service to recognize those Lions who are no longer with us.  Of special note this year, we are honored to have Lion Mark S. Lyon (Second Vice President, Lions International) from Brookfield, Connecticut, joining us for the event as well as the guest speaker at our Governors Banquet on Saturday evening.

(Click here to see Lion Mark Lyon Bio link)

However, in addition to the serious business that a Lions Convention involves we have a team of Lions that have also set out to provide convention delegates with a variety of events and activities that will make the 2025 Convention a designation of choice for all Lions in April 2025.

The Fun Stuff

Friday Afternoon

Golf – 9-holes of golf ($45 with a cart) at the Orangeville Golf Club

• For our golfers, the Orangeville Golf Club offers a challenging layout for every caliber of player who visits.
• This Golf North facility is situated in the Credit River Valley, on the former summer estate of Vaudevillian actor Arthur Huston.
• The 2,800-yard (9-hole) course is well framed by large, mature trees and large, undulating greens.
• Whether you play every day, are a weekend warrior, or only dust off the clubs once a year for the annual tournament, this course is a pleasure to play.

(Click here to see a longer version of the all the fun stuff)

Friday Night 

Casino and Fun Night Entertainment

• This is where business is set aside, and the Lions get out their ROAR for the Fun Night of the weekend.
• Join the Orangeville Lions Club for our key Fun night event, an evening of black jack, roulette and crown and anchor! This will be a “fun” event, and every one can get involved, even if you have never gambled or been to a casino before.  Your first 25 chips are free.
• You could take home one of three prizes ($150, $100, $75 value).
• You won’t want to miss the famous Orangeville Lion Whistlers as they dust off their caps to entertain you. They will have you in fits of laughter in no time!  Additional local entertainment is also being negotiated.
• Participate in a Silent Auction with some terrific items available to bid on.
• Feeling Parched? We have you covered, grab a refreshing drink at the bar and catch up with fellow Lions or meet some new Lions.
• Let’s grow our connections to help our team and our dream.

(Click here to see a longer version of the all the fun stuff)

Saturday Afternoon  

GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co. Tour & Tasting (20 people minimum – 30 people maximum)

• Goodlot stands out from most craft breweries.  It is unique in its environmental stewardship and local minded production.  It is clearly different from many of its competitors.  They grow their own hops, they are solar powered and have a very small carbon footprint and currently striving to have zero carbon footprint.
• They have partnerships with local farmers, provide space for local bands and do a lot of community initiatives.
• You will tour the production facility and learn how they manufacture beer from raw ingredients through to packaged goods.  Yes, a guided tasting is included.
• This location will really show something new and different for our fellow lions.

(Click here to see a longer version of the all the fun stuff)

Town of Orangeville Wood Carving Guided Walking Tour (1-hour) & Shopping (5 people minimum)

• Orangeville has a growing collection of public art that demonstrates the talents of local artisans and the creative vibe of our community.
• The popular tree sculpture program includes over 40 pieces, each with its own character and charm.  In addition, you will have an opportunity see a sampling of the town’s utility boxes that have been transformed into colourful displays of original works, as well as historic images and colourful wall murals created by local artists.
• This tour will include some time after to explore the many great shops along Broadway.

(Click here to see a longer version of the all the fun stuff)

Island Lake Conservation Area Guided Trail Walk (approx. 2 km) (5 people minimum)

• Island Lake CA is the headwaters of the Credit River and has many opportunities to connect with nature around the 820 acres of lake, wetland and forests.  This is a popular location for hikers and cyclists and includes an expansive set of boardwalks, wildlife sightings, and dynamic views.
• On our tour, you will join the Superintendent for a guided trail walk to explore the North section of the park where you will learn about the history of the park, some of the unique features and what is to come.
• Our tour will take place on a trail that has a surface made of packed fine gravel with wood boardwalks; it is flat with no hills.

(Click here to see a longer version of the all the fun stuff)

Free Time

• This is your opportunity to explore the many other things the Town of Orangeville and the Town of Mono have to offer or just enjoy some downtime.

(Click here to see a longer version of the all the fun stuff)

Convention Registration Options 

This year there are two methods to register for the convention.  These include:

Option 1. Register on-line at (Jenna to provide link)

Option 2. Download the fillable PDF form (Jenna to provide link).  Note this form can also be printed out and completed manually.

The completed registration forms can be mailed to

the Orangeville Lions Club, c/o Registration Chair Lion Terry Sullivan, 75 First Street, Suite 201, Orangeville ON L9W 5B6
or
emailed to 2025a9convention@orangevillelions.org

Convention Payment Options

Option 1 – Interac E-Transfer to 2025a9convention@orangevillelions.org If using this payment option, please insert your Name(s) and Club into the Interac e-transfer remarks section.

Option 2 – Submit your Cheque or Money Order payable to “Orangeville Lions Convention” and mailed to the Orangeville Lions Club, c/o Registration Chair Lion Terry Sullivan, 75 First Street, Suite 201, Orangeville ON L9W 5B6

Important Convention Registration and Payment Notes

1. 1. Attendees are required to book their own accommodation.  See Convention Hotel section, below, for further accommodation information.
   2. Registration is required to attend any and all events at the convention, except the Sunday morning Memorial Service.
   3. The deadline for convention registrations and payments is April 11, 2025.
   4. Registration questions should be addressed to Registration Chair Lion Terry Sullivan at 2025a9convention@orangevillelions.org

      or
      75 First Street, Suite 201, Orangeville ON L9W 5B6.

   5. Confirmation of your registration will be e-mailed upon satisfactory completion of your registration form and receiving payment, to the address you provided.
   6. There will be a cash bar at the Monora Park Pavilion, but take note there is no ATM at this facility.

Convention Hotel (accommodations)

Best Western Plus 
7 Buena Vista Drive
Orangeville, ON
L9W 0A2

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Hotel Details 

• Nightly Room Rate Block – $220 plus tax until March 11, 2025 or until sold out.
• Rate is based on one or two adult guests occupying room.  Additional charge of $10 for each additional adult will be applied.  No charge for children.
• 24-hour notice of cancellation required.
• Rooms will include either 2 queen size beds or 1 king size bed.
• Rooms also include a kitchenette with a mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker.
• Rate includes free breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi and access to the fitness room and indoor pool.
• Check in is 3pm and check out is 11am.  Early check in requests cannot be accepted.
• Guests will pay for their own guest rooms unless otherwise directed.

Hotel Reservation Details

To book your room on-line please use the following link:

https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.66099.html?groupId=7R2XQ5H0
or
To book by phone please call the Best Western directly at: 1-866-216-1988 or 519-941-3311

Shuttle Buses 

There will be several shuttle buses running on Friday and Saturday evening (i.e. when the convention bar is open), between the Best Western Hotel and Monora Park Pavilion, to assist our delegates.  There is a nominal fee for this service included on your registration form.

(Click here to see the shuttle bus schedule link)

Event Schedule

The Convention Outline and Schedule can now be viewed in draft form.  The schedule continues to evolve.  All registrants will receive a final version in their registration package.

(Click here to see the draft outline)

Sponsorship

As a community service organization with no government financial support, we generate funds for the events we carry out by member contributions and sponsorships.  If you would like to be a sponsor for this event, and be publicly recognized for your assistance, please contact our sponsorship chair Lion Dan Roach at droachie@gmail.com or (519) 940-1477.

Updated 2024-08-14