PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — To anyone who would otherwise be celebrating Christmas Day alone, Presque Isle Elks Exalted Ruler Marion Donahue has extended an invitation to join the Elks family at noon on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25, at the Presque Isle Elks Lodge for a traditional, sit-down, Christmas dinner.
“There is no charge for anything on Christmas Day,” said Donahue. “The five-course meal, entertainment, parting gifts, and even any necessary transportation to and from the Lodge, will be provided free of charge.”
For the 13th consecutive year, Dana Dickinson is the chairman of the Elks Family Christmas Dinner. Dickinson and his late wife, Mary, became determined in 2005 that no one should be celebrating Christmas Day alone in Presque Isle. That determination led to the first Elks Family Christmas Dinner in 2005. The event is now a tradition at the lodge, located at 508 Main St.
According to Dickinson, “Several weeks ago the Presque Isle Elks began making plans for this year’s Christmas dinner, which over 200 people from this area are expected to attend at no charge. The turkeys and hams are on hand and will be prepared to go in the ovens for Christmas Day.”
Local businesses will provide soup, rolls and pies.
“The set-up crew, cooking crew, serving crew, individuals to transport guests, hosts and hostesses, musicians, and a cleanup crew, have all been assembled. The Elks’ Christmas dinner requires a huge amount of manpower,” Dickinson said.
The lodge doors will open at 10:30 a.m. on Christmas morning. Hors d’oeuvres will be served beginning at 11:00 a.m., and at noon Elks will begin serving the traditional meal.
“There will again be live musical entertainment for the event provided by Wendell Hudson, Dale Hudson, Leland Clark, James “Sheldon” Wright, and other friends,” Donahue said.
“I invite anyone who would otherwise be alone to attend the Presque Isle Elks Family Christmas Dinner. In fact, I encourage you to do so,” she said. “If transportation is needed, please call the Elks Lodge at 764-0985, before Christmas Day if possible, in order to arrange for that transportation.”
