Well, it’s been a hot and busy summer so far—hope most have had time to enjoy a parade or two. Thanks to all the units that made it down to Crofton, Nebraska, for that parade I have heard the town and the Yankton Shrine Club were all very happy.
In June we wrapped up our out of town circuses with some good numbers in Worthington, Yankton and Winner. Yankton had to switch things up this year with a new place to put on the show but all turned out great and should be a nice place to host future summer circuses.
July had some of us off to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the Shriners Imperial Session. A great time was had by all and the meetings were interesting as always as we got to see Shriners International keep growing in more and more countries. South Dakota’s Grand Master, Yancy Smith, was in attendance and I would like to thank him for his attendance and support.
(Photo caption: Chief Rabban, Maury Richard; Potentate, Jim Burma Jr.; South Dakota Grand Master, Yancy Smith; and Naja Shrine Potentate, Tim Rensch at Imperial Session in Florida)
On a personal note, our family is moving from our home on the east side of Sioux Falls to the Spruceleigh area just off of Kiwanis Avenue which will be complete by early September.
August will be another exciting month when we are off to MSA in Bloomington, MN, August 17–19! It will be great to get together and bring home some more trophies for the units that compete. But competition or not, it is a fun to time to get together with other Shriners and tell old stories and make new memories.
After that, the Pote’s Golf Tournament will be August 25 in Garretson, SD, and this year’s details will come out soon.
Then, the Annual Potes Party will be August 26 at the Shrine in Sioux Falls. I hope everyone will consider coming. The theme is “Caddyshack” from the motion picture. Costumes are not required but simple casual golf attire will do—but if you’re a fan of the movie go for it!! Our own culinary unit will be doing the cooking and the cost is just $20 per person or $40 per couple. All members, friends and family, please try to make this important annual event.
More to come in September with the Shrine Cup, Shrine Football game and new back to Lodge Nights we will be trying. Stay tuned for more information on all of this!
Thanks for all you do, remember “We are all El Riad!!”
Jim Burma Jr.
2017 Potentate El Riad Shrine