Transformed into a restaurant-style dining area with tables set for six to eight, the Elks’ function room had a seating capacity of approximately 200 — with nary a chair to spare for the festive occasion.
“Shortly before noon, hostesses for the event were scrambling to find seats for two or more people who wanted to be seated at the same table. Ultimately, with a little ingenuity, we (the Elks) were able to seat everyone who arrived for dinner,” said Alan Harding, event organizer.
As at previous family Christmas dinners hosted by the Elks, people attending came from all walks of life.
“Those in attendance were extremely diverse in age, occupations and conditions of health,” said Harding, noting this was reflected in the manner in which people arrived for the occasion.
“Some attendees arrived in their own motor vehicles, from shiny late-model Lincolns to pick-up trucks exhibiting years’ of use. Others walked to the lodge,” said Harding. “Still others rolled into the lodge in wheelchairs from a bus with a wheelchair lift, which was used for the day by the Elks.”
Harding said scores of other people attending the Christmas dinner rode from their homes from throughout Presque Isle to the lodge, courtesy of the stretch limousine being driven by Nick McIntyre of Luxury Limos.
“Upon arrival at the lodge, everyone was welcomed by Presque Isle Elks’ Past Exalted Ruler William Sewall, who was appropriately adorned in the Presque Isle Elks’ red tuxedo jacket, as well as the special Elks’ Christmas hat,” he said.
Once seated within the festively-decorated lodge function room, all of the attendees shared in a traditional, sit-down Christmas dinner in an atmosphere of joy and merriment, with local musicians providing entertainment.
“Wendell Hudson, Leland Clark, Sheldon Wright, Peter Parker and J.R. McLellan joined together to provide a musical background for the event. In addition to playing many traditional Christmas and seasonal songs, the musical group delivered some of Sheldon’s own original Christmas compositions,” said Harding.
Reverend Ray Chafee of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church delivered the blessing for the meal.
“In doing so, Rev. Chafee called upon all to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. He also drew attention to the charitable efforts of the Presque Isle Elks, which exemplified an appropriate spirit of Christmas giving,” Harding said.
Michael LaFrance, Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954 exalted ruler, delivered the official welcome of the lodge to the capacity crowd. He pointed out that the nearly 50 lodge members and other volunteers who were giving up part of their Christmas to put on the dinner were manifesting the Elks’ motto, “Elks care, Elks share.”
“The cheerful spirit of all of the volunteer servers of the meal was as enjoyable for the persons attending as was the Christmas meal of tomato bisque soup, salad, turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables and a wide variety of desserts,” said Harding, adding, “the capacity crowd ensured none of the dozens of turkeys, seven hams, over two dozen pies or other food was left over.”
According to LaFrance, “Everyone who participated in the Elks’ fifth annual Family Christmas Celebration left the event very full, with both stomachs filled with a delightful Christmas dinner and hearts filled with the joy of the Christmas season.”
“The Presque Isle Lodge of Elks is proud to sponsor such a wonderful event for this community and looks forward to doing so for years to come,” said LaFrance.
