Capacity crowd enjoys Elks’ Christmas dinner
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Nearly 300 people filled to capacity the Presque Isle Elks Lodge on Christmas Day at the 11th annual Elks Family Christmas Dinner.
According to Elks Exalted Ruler Alan Harding, guests streamed in until the facility was overflowing, and some patiently stood in line for a brief time as they waited for seats to become available.
In addition to the dinner crowd, a record number of volunteers turned out. Many area residents who are not currently Elks members came to help out, acting as doormen, taking coats, seating guests and assisting in serving the five-course meal and beverages.
According to David Caron, Sr., and Dana Dickinson, co-chairs of this event, the Elks served 240 cups of tomato bisque soup from the Northeastland Hotel, 240 dinner rolls from Governor’s, 150 pounds of turkey donated by McCain Foods, 70 pounds of ham, 80 pounds of mashed potatoes from Pineland Farms, 30 pounds of squash, 20 pounds of buttered carrots, 45 pounds of stuffing and 34 assorted pies from Governor’s and Star City IGA.
In addition, dinner guests consumed 12 pounds of mixed nuts. Guests took home with them in gift bags 45 pounds of Clementine oranges, 75 pounds of apples, and nearly 100 pounds of chocolates and peppermint candy. Guests were also able to take home a fresh poinsettia donated by Walmart.
Volunteers and guests traveled from as far away as Houlton and Eagle Lake for the event.
After a welcome by Harding and a benediction by Elks Chaplain Rachel Murchison, all were entertained by the music of “Rose and the Burdock Bush,” comprised of Wendell Hudson, Peter Parker, Stephanie “Rose” Winslow, Leland Clark and James “Sheldon” Wright.
In brief remarks, Rev. Tim Stohlberg of the Presque Isle Congregational Church called attention to the good work of the Presque Isle Elks in consistently and continually serving the community through its charitable endeavors. Rev. Stohlberg’s wife, Marcia, served as Mrs. Claus for the event, while providing a gift bag to each departing guest.
“The value of the Elks Family Christmas Dinner to the community was evident both from the large attendance, as well as the demographics of the guests who did attend,” Harding said. “Over 90 percent of the guests were either disabled, over the age of 70, or were single mothers with their children. Guests both came in wheelchairs and were assisted with wheelchairs provided by the Elks Lodge.”
He continued, “Most gratifying were the heartfelt expressions of thanks from each and every guest for being able to attend a fun and joyous event, to receive a delicious meal, and to be made to feel special on Christmas Day, rather than spending Christmas alone. For all these reasons, the Presque Isle Elks anticipate continuing this event for many years to come.”
