OCEANPORT: The Lions’ Club Strawberry Fair has closed out one of its most successful years with a gift to the borough community.

Lion John Bonforte presented the Oceanport Council with a check for $10,000 that will be divided among several groups. $2,000 will go to the Oceanport First Aid Squad, $1,000 will go to the Oceanport Police Department, $250 will go to the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Company, The Port Au Peck Chemical Hose Company and its fire police will receive $250 and $500, respectively, and the remaining $6,000 will go to to borough of Oceanport.

As for the fair itself, annual event was held at Monmouth Park two weeks ago and featured rides, games and food, including the traditional strawberry short cake. Included in the fun was the animals’ display where youngsters delighted in getting a close up view of the furry friends.

Other proceeds go to Lions charities, eyesight impaired and other difficulties that are often a challenge to address, and expensive at that.

This was the 14^th event held at the Park, and encouraged volunteers to plan for next near.

As typical for Lions organizations, the West Long Branch chapter was allocated a table under the big tent where folks rested to eat or just chat with friends. The West Long Branch Lions were selling 50-50 chances with the drawing for a winner scheduled to be at the fireworks display at Franklin Lake. The chance drawing will be about 9:00 P.M. that evening at the pagoda shell.