PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The ninth annual Family Christmas Dinner, hosted by the Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954, will be held at the lodge Christmas Day beginning at 11 a.m.
“I am pleased to extend an invitation to anyone who does not have family or friends with whom to share Christmas Day to join with us for a Christmas dinner, musical entertainment, fun and laughter,” said Exalted Ruler Vicki Delong.
The lodge is located at 508 Main St. in Presque Isle.
“The Elks host this special Christmas Day event — entirely free of charge to all who attend. The guests whom the Elks wish to serve are not only the economically disadvantaged, but anyone, irrespective of class, color, race or religious belief, who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day and unable to share the joy of fellowship on that special day,” said Delong.
The lodge will be open to the public beginning at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 25. As in every previous year, local musicians, including Wendell Hudson, Peter Parker, Sheldon Wright, Leland Clark and others, will entertain with songs. Fireman Fred Parsons will lead some group sing-alongs.
Since the event’s inception, Luxury Limos of Caribou will assist in providing free transportation for people needing a ride to the Elks Lodge by donating the use of their limousines. North Country Auto will again provide a van for people requiring transportation with easier access. Transportation for those in wheelchairs will also be available. Anyone needing a ride may call the Lodge at 764-0985 or send an e-mail request to pielks1954@maine.rr.com.
Delong said the Elks’ Christmas dinner was first held in 2005 at the request of an Elks member who had seen firsthand the loneliness and despair that can grow from spending the holiday without the fellowship of others.
“Elk members who participated in planning and presenting the Christmas Day meal in 2005 were themselves tremendously uplifted in their own spirits from witnessing the heartfelt gratitude and happiness of the guests attending that first event,” she said. “From that first Christmas Day dinner, Presque Isle Elks have been unified in their resolve to continue the event as a worthy endeavor of the Elks, whose motto is ‘Elks Care — Elks Share.’”
According to perennial Family Christmas Dinner co-chairs Dana and Mary Dickinson, the Elks will begin serving their traditional Christmas dinner to seated guests at noon. While dozens of Elks always volunteer to assist in transporting, welcoming and seating of guests, cooking, serving, and entertaining at the Christmas dinner, there is always the need for other helping hands. Anyone who wishes to volunteer is invited to do so.
“To every single parent with young children, every elderly couple without children, and any other person all alone in this city,” said Delong, “the Presque Isle Elks Lodge invites you to its Family Christmas Dinner.”
To make a reservation for the dinner, call the Lodge at 764-0985 or e-mail pielks1954@maine.rr.com. For additional information, contact Alan Harding at 764-0131.
