Tradition Endures At 86th Cattlemen’s Banquet: Lions Continue Decades of Community Impact

ALACHUA – The Alachua Lions Club carried forward one of the community’s longest-standing traditions on March 24, 2026, hosting its 86^th annual Cattlemen’s Banquet, the oldest continuous Lions Club fundraiser in Florida.

The event drew more than 400 attendees for an evening of fellowship, entertainment and community support, continuing a legacy that dates back to 1940. This year’s guests enjoyed a festive reception on the veranda sponsored by Capital City Bank with appetizers by Sonny’s BBQ and live music by Cliff Dorsey. Inside the main hall, Alachua Lions Club President Bill Johnson opened the formal program, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Lions District Governor Sue Rogers. Bill Johnson led a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America.” First Baptist Church of Alachua’s Rev. Jess Bryan delivered the invocation.

Since its origins, the banquet has grown from a modest effort to support local FFA students into a cornerstone fundraiser supporting sight, hearing, youth and community programs throughout Alachua County.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, State Representative Chad Johnson kept the program moving with a mix of humor and local insight, continuing the banquet’s tradition of engaging leadership and entertainment.

The evening’s featured entertainer, Nashville-based performer Jim Getzen, brought a lively and interactive show that blended music, storytelling and humor, a hallmark of the banquet’s evolving entertainment lineup.

A central highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Cattleman of the Year award to Dr. Timothy T. Marshall, a longtime educator, mentor and leader in the beef cattle industry.

Marshall, a University of Florida professor for two decades, is widely recognized for mentoring generations of students and coaching livestock judging teams, with many of his former students going on to leadership roles in agriculture. His career has also included service as a college dean and industry consultant, and he remains active in advancing agricultural programs and youth involvement.

This year’s banquet included special tributes to two local icons. Lions honored longtime club member and local educator Dr. Christine Hirsch and Sonny’s BBQ founder Floyd “Sonny” Tillman. Both influential local leaders passed away late in 2025.

The banquet’s origins remain a defining part of its identity. In 1940, Alachua Lions members attended a local FFA livestock auction with the goal of boosting bids for student-raised cattle. When they ended up purchasing the steer themselves, the idea for a community banquet to support young agriculturalists was born.

That spirit of service continues today. Proceeds from the annual event support a wide range of local initiatives, including scholarships, youth programs, vision and hearing assistance, and partnerships with organizations such as the Santa Fe High School FFA chapter.

The Alachua Woman’s Club once again partnered in hosting the event’s silent auction, while students and volunteers helped carry on the banquet’s longstanding connection to agriculture and community involvement.

The origins of the Cattlemen’s Banquet trace back to a small but impactful gesture in 1940, when Alachua Lions members rallied to support the Alachua High School FFA by bidding on a student-raised steer. That simple act of generosity sparked a tradition that now attracts dignitaries, ranchers, and residents alike. Past events have featured notable speakers such as President Jimmy Carter and Florida Governors Lawton Chiles, Bob Graham, and Buddy MacKay.

As the curtain closes on its 86th year, the Cattlemen’s Banquet remains a beloved celebration of community, heritage, and philanthropy — and plans are undoubtedly underway for its 87th return, promising more laughter, good food, and goodwill.

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