“The Presque Isle Elks, Lodge #1954, the premier charitable and patriotic organization of this city, is proud once again to host the July 4 Community Celebration at Riverside Park on this Independence Day, July 4, 2017.”
These were the words of Presque Isle Elks Exalted Ruler Marion Donahue in announcing the twelfth consecutive July 4 picnic in the park sponsored by the Presque Isle Elks.
According to Dana Dickinson, chairman of this annual July 4 celebration, “Starting at 11 a.m. on July 4, this year the Elks will be grilling hot dogs to be served free of charge to the public, along with a variety of chips, popcorn, drinks, watermelon and shaved ice, all free of charge.
“Live musical entertainment this year will be provided by ‘The Good Ole Boys and Girls’ featuring Paula Gura, Larry Adams, Jennifer Holmes, Ron DeMerchant, Darren McLaughlin, Kevin McLaughlin, and Shawna McLaughlin. From the gazebo in the park, they will be playing a well-rounded repertoire of country, pop, and rock sounds to satisfy this annual July 4 gathering,” according to Dickinson.
The Elks’ July 4 car show on Riverside Drive has become a popular event for car enthusiasts throughout Aroostook. Again this year, registration is free and will begin at 10 a.m. All participating owners will receive a commemorative gift. Trophies will be awarded for the top vehicle in each class, as well as for a People’s Choice award and Best in the Show.
“At the Elks’ July 4 Celebration, this year, there will be games and contests for young people, with great prizes for all contestants,” Dickinson said. “The Elks’ Dunking Booth will be on hand with individuals occupying the booth whom everyone will want to ‘dunk’.”
“The July 4 Celebration is one of the five community-wide events that the Presque Isle Elks are proud to host annually without any charge to those attending,” Exalted Ruler Donahue commented. “While the July 4 picnic, as with each of the other events, such as the “Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs” Youth Fishing Derby and the Elks Family Christmas Dinner, have substantial financial costs and require many hours of volunteer time, the Presque Isle Elks realize that the residents of Presque Isle truly look forward to these events. Such occasions serve to enhance the sense of community in our city. For that reason, the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge #1954, gladly sponsors such events and lives its motto, ‘Elks Care, Elks Share’,” Donahue concluded.
