The Bangs Lions Club is gearing up for the 47th annual dove shoot. The near five-decades-old event will be Saturday, August 25 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Charles “Crab” Pitts Skeet Range.

As in years past, ammunition will be furnished and lunch and drinks will be available. During the day, several “shoots” will be offered, allowing participants to choose which shoot they would like to take part in. For each competition, a fee will be required to enter, with the winner of each shoot being awarded a prize. The prizes are provided by area businesses and range from gift cards to $100 savings bonds being offered by a local bank.

One change to this year’s event is the name. During the club’s March meeting, the organization unanimously voted to change the name to the “McDonald/Sikes Memorial Dove Shoot” in remembrance of members Charles McDonald and Lonnie Sikes, who have since passed.

Holding true to tradition, the club will again hold a raffle for a shotgun. All club members will be selling raffle tickets which can be purchased for $1 or six for $5. To purchase tickets, speak with any Lions Club member or call 325-203-0686 or 325-998-5096. Another avenue to contact any club member is to visit the Bangs Lions Club Facebook page or email bangslionsclub@gmail.com.

Club members will also be set up at different businesses selling raffle tickets leading up to the event. The winner does not have to be present to claim the prize, which will be raffled August 25.

Proceeds from the dove shoot help the club in completing projects in the community, with the most important being eyeglasses for those in need.

The Bangs Lions Club meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at the Bangs Housing Authority building, located at 406 E. Spencer. A meal is served at 6:30 p.m. with meetings soon after.