Josh Flynn: Shrine Club readies for weekend parade, more
Aug. 18—The Logansport Shrine Club will celebrate its long history while raising money to continue their mission to help local children this weekend when it hosts its annual parade and festivities.
The weekend begins Friday night, Aug. 19, with the Shrine Frolic event hosted at the Shrine Club, 415 High St. A dinner will take place from 5 p.m. until 8 with a 14 oz. rib-eye dinner available for $25 or a broasted chicken thigh and breast dinner for $15.00.
A free gathering will take place behind the Shrine Club from 7 p.m. until 11 and features drinks and a live performance from Brandt Carmichael, a Logansport native now recording music in Nashville, Tenn.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, the parade begins at noon and will move from 11th Street to Fourth Street and over to High street. Parade line up begins at 11 a.m.
Ralph Colter, parade chairman, said that the parade helps get the Shrine Club out in front of the community.
"The Shriners represent the Shrine Hospitals. There are 22 Shrine hospitals in existence throughout the United States and Mexico," Colter said. "The things that we do like this help us raise money for those hospitals. We have local children who do go to the Shrine Hospital in Chicago."
Shriners are available to help families reach the nearest Shrine Hospital, offering rides regardless of a family's ability to pay.
"If there is a child in need, we will take them to the hospital," Colter said.
He said there are people walking around in Logansport who have been Shriner patients just over the past few years and called them Shriner success stories.
Along with members of the Shrine Club, the parade will include Miss Cass County Makenna Leicht, the Logansport dance team and more.
An After-Glow party will be held at the Shrine Club following the parade. A lunch of Italian sausage and hamburgers with mac and cheese, baked beans and chips will be available for $8. Best in parade awards will also be presented.
The Logansport Shrine Club is the oldest chapter in Indiana, having established their charter in 1920.
Colter said that while membership was down like with all clubs, the Logansport chapter was going well.
"Traditionally, the Shrine Club was made up of older people," he said. "We are trying to get young people involved just like every club is. But the Shrine Club is doing really well right now."
To become a member of the Shrine Club, one must first be a mason. Colter said he would be happy to talk with anyone who is interested in becoming a member and that the Shrine Club (574- 753-2339) is always happy to discuss its history and work.
The weekend's events are open to the general public and Colter said that everyone is welcome to attend any of festivities.
