Well, the year is going really fast for all of us I’m sure. October was a busy month for El Riad as always.
We hosted the Shrine Circus and Fund Raising Association (SCAFRA) Convention here in Sioux Falls October 19 – 21 with attendees from all over the country. Imperial Chief Rabban Jim Cain was also in attendance. SCAFRA President Marv Lovro and his entire team put on a great meeting and all were very impressed with our building and the fundraisers we put together. It’s great to get a chance to show off all of our great work!
We lost a great friend and Past Potentate Pat “Greeter” Colbert in October. The Funeral and Masonic Service was held at the El Riad Temple on October 5. The turnout was great and it was a nice send off with help of the Oriental Band and Back Forty Boys! Thanks to all that helped and attended, Pat will be missed by all.
November will keep us busy again. Some are off to help at the Shriners Hospital for Children Open November 1–5 in Las Vegas.
Next up will be our all new Fall Ceremonial on Veterans Day, November 11. Please review the schedule for the changes we are going to try this year. Hopefully, when all get together for our 2 p.m. opening, we will have a packed house. It would be nice to have lots of Nobles and Ladies in attendance to make this more of a special reunion and celebration. After the conclusion, the Culinary Unit will have lots of great stuff for us to eat and snack on. Special thanks to the Ritualistic Unit and Directors Staff for helping us try this and adjust their days a bit to help.
On November 22, I would like to personally invite you to my 50th Birthday Party! The fun will start about 5 p.m. with an opening band 6 – 7 p.m. and Sugar Daddy playing from 7 – 10 p.m. Thanks to the Clowns for helping with this fun event. This will be great way to wrap up my year as your Potentate having a party with all my friends and family at the best live music building in town!
Please enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday with your friends and family!
Thanks to all for everything you all do for El Riad!
Jim Burma, Jr.
2017 El Riad Potentate