The Lion’s Club is packing up its Port Elgin Pumpkinfest tent following a theft and fire.
Saugeen Shores Police say on Oct. 5 at 6:35 a.m., officers responded to the area of Goderich Street and Green Street for a reported theft from the Lion’s Club barbecue tent which occurred overnight.
Officers attended the scene and continue their investigation.
Lion’s Club Pumpkinfest Coordinator Bob McAulay says the theft resulted in $500 worth of food being stolen.
“They had cut the tent open and climbed in. We called the police and they came and finger printed and everything,” says McAulay.
Later on Oct. 6 at 1:58 a.m., Saugeen Shores Police and Fire responded to a report of a fire at the intersection of Goderich Street and Green Street to find the Lion’s Cub tent had been damaged by fire.
Police say the fire was extinguished by community members and continue to investigate.
McAulay says after the fire was extinguished, the remaining food they had in the tent was unusable as it was covered in chemicals.
He says as a result, the Lion’s Club was no longer able to participate in Pumpkinfest.
“It’s basically our biggest fundraiser for the community and it’s gone. We are looking at thousands of dollars to replace the tent if we ever do, and it might be the end of the Lion’s Club at Pumpkinfest, I don’t know that for sure but we just have to wait and see what the club decides,” says McAulay. “It’s a shame. You try and do so much for the community and that is what happens. We have no idea who did it, that is the worst part.”
Police are asking anyone with information on the theft and fire to contact them at 519-832-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
