On May 1, we held our first full day ceremonial in over a year and it was a great day to be an El Riad Shrine Noble and Lady. Lady Gloria and I would like to thank all the participants for attending. A tip of the fez goes out to the Potes Aides, the Chief of Staff and Assistant COS, the Directors Staff, the Ritualistic Unit, the Big Band, the Chanters, the Culinary unit, the Legion of Honor, the Provosts, the Fife & Drum, the Oriental Band, the Steel Drum, the Divan, especially, First Ceremonial Master Scott Denney, the membership committee, and all the units that presented that day. It was an amazing group effort. Fun was had by all!
Welcome to all of the Master Masons who became new Nobles of El Riad Shrine. This will be a new and exciting journey for you all. Be sure to get involved, join a unit, attend the Wednesday night events, as well as the monthly stated meeting. In April 2022, there will be a circus where you can volunteer to help put on the “best family entertainment event” in the city.
I want to thank all the Nobles who contributed to our “Virtual Circus”! The Shrine is a group that gives of their time, talents, and money. It is comforting to know that, so many people care about this organization. In this current era of not being able to have our circus, we will continue to look for new fundraising opportunities, while restricting our spending. Thanks for your input and your understanding as we continue our Shine mission.
Speaking of fundraising, at the Shrine Night at the Stampede in March, the El Riad Shrine Clowns sold the most “Chuck a Pucks” of any organization at any Stampede event this season! Hats off to all the clowns for an outstanding job! The clowns also went out into the crowd and entertained the masses as only they know how to do!
The next fundraiser for our Temple is the Sioux Empire on Tap on July 17. El Riad Shrine could use about 30 or more volunteers, to pour beer samples to the patrons, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds. This should be a fun event to work!
We are once again offering heart and vascular screenings at the Shrine on June 16 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Shrine. Call (605) 312-2150 to schedule your time. Cost is reduced to $25. This is recommended for people starting at age 40. Please do this for yourself. Your loved ones will thank you! The previous screening held at the Shrine, proved to be very beneficial to more than one Shriner! This is open to the public, so bring your spouse.
Covid-19 vaccinations are reaching a higher percentage of our citizens every day. We are truly thankful to be vaccinated and hope everyone will get a chance to be vaccinated. Because of this, more social events are taking place, and we are seeing our venue rental calendar starting to fill back up. If you know of someone who is looking for a place to have a reception/party/dance/etc., be sure to have them contact our Venue Coordinator, Heather Nagel, at 321-9100 for Shrine rental information.
Let’s be sure to “Have Fun in 2021!”