PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954 will hold its 15th annual Christmas dinner starting at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25.
In 2005, under the leadership of then-exalted ruler Mary Dickinson, the lodge initiated the first Elks Family Christmas Dinner in Presque Isle to help make sure no one celebrated Christmas alone. Transportation for individuals unable to transport themselves was provided by limousine, if desired. Dinner was a five-course, sit-down meal, with entertainment was provided by Wendell Hudson and his friends, known as the Soggy-Bottom Boyz, which included Peter Parker, James “Sheldon” Wright, Leland Clark and Dale Hudson.
Sadly, the only major changes to the Elks Family Christmas Dinner over the years have been the loss of several beloved individuals who played key roles in making the event a reality. Mary Dickinson and past exalted ruler Ernie Lovely died in 2015 and Peter Parker passed on in 2016.
Again this year, perennial event chair, Dana Dickinson, will assemble a crew of enthusiastic volunteers in order to complete the huge number of tasks involved in cooking and serving a sit-down meal for over 200 guests. Hudson and his friends will provide musical entertainment, and the same five-course meal will be served, with everything free of charge to all guests.
Current Exalted Ruler Alan Harding stated, “It is with great pride that I am able to invite anyone in this area, who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day, to join the Elks family for a wonderful, traditional Christmas dinner on that day.”
He added, “Transportation, including by limousine if requested, may be arranged by calling the Lodge at 764-0985. Hors d’oeuvres and music will begin at 11 a.m., with dinner being served at noon. There will be no charge to any guest on Christmas Day.”
