The Presque Isle Elks treated scores of military veterans and their spouses to a special free supper that included donated moose meat on Veterans Day.
Individual members of Elks Lodge No. 1954 prepared a long list of menu items that included grilled moose steaks with roasted red potatoes, roast moose, Guinness moose stew, seafood chowder, corn chowder, beef stew, chicken stew, ployes, lasagna, and two varieties of home-baked beans.
The Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife provided the moose meat used for the charitable event.
In addition to the large number of entree items, the Elks members also prepared a selection of dessert items, including a variety of homemade cookies, squares, cakes, and fudge.
Musician Heath Bartley provided entertainment for the event held at the lodge on Main Street.
“This free Veterans Day meal is one of the favorite charitable events for members of the Presque Isle Elks,” said Exalted Ruler Marion Donahue. “It affords the members an opportunity to personally express their own appreciation to our military veterans by individually preparing a chowder, stew, or other dish or dessert and by participating in serving the meal to the veterans and their spouses with a true sense of heartfelt gratitude.”
Donahue said the members also enjoyed hearing from the veterans how much they appreciated the evening.
“This was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for us as military veterans,” said Chris and Tracilee Sullivan of Wade, both veterans who recently relocated to the area.
Presque Isle merchants also donated door prizes that were given away to veterans in attendance.
