According to Elks Exalted Ruler Ernest Lovely, the Presque Isle Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 1954, hosted its first Family Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day in 2005 in order to provide an opportunity for everyone in the area to celebrate Christmas with others in a joyous atmosphere. Anyone who would otherwise be alone on Christmas was encouraged to join the Elks and their friends for a Christmas Day celebration at the Lodge.
For that first Elks’ Family Christmas Dinner, guests were offered transportation either by limousine courtesy of Luxury Limos or a bus made available by the Opportunity Training Center. The guests were entertained with music provided by Peter Parker and his friends, including James “Sheldon” Wright, Ken Pelkey, Wendell Hudson and Leland Clark.
The Elks’ kitchen committee – under the leadership of Dana Dickinson – served a traditional Christmas dinner beginning with salads and a tomato bisque soup provided by the Northeastland Hotel. The main course included both turkey and ham, sweet potatoes and dressing. Governor’s provided the dinner rolls, as well as a variety of pies. With a surplus of pies donated by McCain Foods, each guest was able to leave with a whole pie, a commemorative gift, and wonderful memories of a joyous Christmas dinner in the company of friends.
“That first Elks’ Family Christmas Dinner provided such an abundance of both inspiration, as well as wonderful memories, that no member of the Lodge ever thought twice about making the event an annual tradition,” said Lovely. “Those memories include the mental picture of a woman of over 80 years seated on Santa’s lap and exclaiming, ‘Oh Santa, it’s been so long since I have seen you.’”
Not only have the Elks established the Family Christmas Dinner as a tradition, but local businesses, individuals, clergy and city workers have also continued their own acts of kindness and generosity which make this event possible. With that assistance, the Presque Isle Elks Lodge is once again this year able to invite anyone who would otherwise spend Christmas alone to join with them at the Lodge located at 508 Main St. in Presque Isle.
Festivities at the Lodge will start at 11 a.m. with a variety of musical entertainment, once again also including Parker, Hudson, Wright and Clark. Appetizers will be provided at the Lodge prior to dinner.
Dinner will begin being served at noon, starting off again with the Northeastland Hotel’s tomato bisque soup and a variety of breads, including Governor’s dinner rolls before the main course of ham and turkey. Employees of The Aroostook Medical Center have donated the turkeys for this meal. Dessert will again include a variety of pies, including some special offerings from Governor’s.
“The number of people attending this wonderful Christmas Day celebration has increased every year because guests have spread the word about what a wonderful time they have had, from the limousine ride to the Lodge, to the enjoyable entertainment, the friendly people, and, of course, the tremendous meal,” said Lovely. “We anticipate even more people will attend this year, but there will always be additional seats available. No one who might be alone on Christmas Day should hesitate to call the Lodge or contact a Lodge member in order to reserve their seat. As always, in the spirit of Christmas, everything is provided free of charge, thanks to the generosity of many area individuals and businesses.”
Again this year transportation to the Lodge will be provided with assistance from Luxury Limos. Transportation for those confined to wheelchairs will also be available. To request transportation, individuals may call the Lodge at 764-0985.
