Well, March was a busy month once again! Lots of great Shrine events including the Hillbilly’s Spring Shindig, the Fife and Drum’s St. Patty’s Bash, the Big Band’s Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the Motor Corps’ Raffle.
It was great to once again host the Khartum Pipes & Drums at the El Riad Shrine on St. Patrick’s Day. They have been coming down for over 30 years to help Sioux Falls celebrate. They had just over 20 brothers as part of the band this year. Even a couple joined from WA WA Shrine this year. Our very our “world famous” Culinary Unit stepped up with another great culinary performance of their own. They provided great snacks for the crowd that came down to watch the band perform two times Friday night. Then they cooked up a special dinner for the band in between the shows. I was lucky to get to have dinner with the band and all enjoyed the meal. All the time this was going on the Sprint Car unit members were keeping the drinks flowing. Great job done by all!
Next up was the Fife & Drum Band and their St. Patty’s (day after this year) Bash! Green beer was being poured early as a big and enthusiastic group came to play beer pong! The before, during, and after parade crowd was great! Thanks to all the units that made time to be in the Parade — Horse Corps, Motor Corps, Clowns, Oriental Band, and Legion of Honor.
Special thanks to Roger Risty, El Riad Hospital Committee Chairman, and his entire team. They hosted the Pediatric Burn Trauma Seminar in Mitchell, Yankton, Sioux Falls and Brookings. This is a great and well attended community service we provide for area first responders and clinical staff to help in the treatment of burn victims in our area. Thanks also to Jean Merz from Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati for speaking again at our seminars. This is Jean’s last year as she will retire in 2017 and I’d like to thank her for all she has done to help our kids!
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra played March 23 (hosted by the Big Band) which was nice weekday night event.
Then, the Motor Corps 23rd annual raffle was held March 24.
Now comes April which is Circus Month!! Please, all nobles and ladies do show up and help again like only El Riad can do! Please purchase your Circus coupons and help send some kids to the circus. Chamberlain’s show is up first on April 17 and 18. The Sioux Falls Shrine Circus is April 20–23, then on to Mitchell from April 24–26. I hope you can all show up and help!
Coming up on May 6 is our Spring Ceremonial.
Thanks to all the Nobles and Ladies of El Riad…without all of us working together none of this would be possible!
Remember, We Are ALL El Riad!
Jim Burma Jr.
2017 Potentate
El Riad Shrine