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Elks Lodge plans for 125th anniversary event

Elks Lodge plans for 125th anniversary event
Jessica Schwickerath and Eric Whipple are busy helping prapare for the Charles City Elks Lodge’s 125th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 3.
By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

A big day is in the works for the Charles City Elks Lodge. On Saturday, June 3, Elks Lodge #418 will be celebrating its 125th anniversary.

For 125 years, the Elks club in Charles City has been an active community group, primarily focusing on veteran’s services and youth activities in the area. From offering scholarships to donating winter clothes to providing meals and donations to the food pantry, the Elks in Charles City have kept busy doing what they can to help community members in need, members said.

For the last six months, though, the Elks have also been busy planning a party.

“This 125th Anniversary party is the perfect opportunity for an event,” said Exalted Ruler Jennifer Schwickerath. “Anybody is welcome to come out and play.”

This is the Elks’ biggest event since their 100th anniversary celebration a quarter century ago.

The day will begin on Saturday morning with a youth fishing tournament, followed by competitive Euchre and Bags in the afternoon. A variety of food trucks will be around throughout the day to provide a range of tasty treats while kids and adults alike can enjoy games and activities.

At 7 p.m., local musical group Some’r will start their evening performance, taking a break once the sun goes down for a fireworks show.

The Elks’ full anniversary schedule can be found on the group’s website, which is counting down the seconds to the big day.

With about 440 members, Charles City’s branch of the Elks lodge is among the largest in the state, but are always happy to bring more members into the fold, its leaders said. The upcoming anniversary celebration is doubling as a recruitment drive, giving people the opportunity to see what the Elks are about.

“We’re very welcoming to anybody that would like to join,” said Eric Whipple, a former Exalted Ruler and current State President-Elect. “We want everybody in the community and surrounding areas to come out and have fun.”

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