Perkins fun at the Lions' Fourth of July carnival

On Wednesday, July 2, summer school students from Perkins School for the Blind’s summer program took a break from their studies to enjoy every kid’s summertime rite: a Fourth of July Carnival.

Before the carnival opened to the public at 6 on Wednesday evening, students from the Cotting School, the LABBB Collaborative, and Perkins had the run of the rides at the Lexington Lions 52nd Annual 4th of July Carnival.

Rain clouds, lightning and thunder were no match for the students’ high spirits. They waited out the storm under a tent while enjoying burgers and hot dogs. Then it was off to tour the Haunted Mansion, to take flight on the Cliff Hanger, jam up the Bumper Cars or to take the Carousel for a whirl.

Summer recreational programs director at Perkins Kim Delano says, “This has been going on for a good thirty years, at least. As long as anyone here can remember, the Lexington Lions have invited our students to enjoy the carnival even before it opens to the public."

In response to Perkins most illustrious student, Helen Keller, the Lions Clubs International have been “the knights of the blind” since 1925. The annual carnival is the single most successful local fundraising effort for the club, according to Lexington Lion Janet Perry, who is legally blind herself. That’s why they always welcome the students in advance of the public throng. “It just warms everybody’s hearts to meet the people we have helped along the way,” she says. “We enjoy seeing the kids have a real good time without the complication of the big crowds.”