Denise and I celebrated our homecoming weekend in Houlton from February 28th to March 3rd. As I’ve always maintained, Lodge 835 is exceptional, and this weekend proved it once again. Friday night featured a trivia contest, bowling, the Queen of Hearts drawing, and a fantastic pub food menu. Elks from around the state gathered, and everyone had a wonderful time.
On Saturday, following the pre-budget meeting, preparations commenced for the evening meal. The kitchen crew outdid themselves, preparing a superb dinner offering prime rib cooked to order or baked haddock. With the help of several area youth groups the meals were served quickly, and everyone seemed delighted.
After dinner, everyone moved to the Lodge room for a roast and toast in my honor. I was thoroughly roasted, all in good fun. My good friend Shawn Stacey even made a donation to the ENF after I put on his Red Sox pullover. I wasn’t the only one roasted; State Chaplain and Past State President Mike Powers also received his share of good-natured ribbing. My boating prowess was also humorously mentioned by an anonymous Facebook follower, who thankfully provided me with an emergency gas can for the boat.
The evening continued with live music from the local band Dirt Bag Jenkins and the Dust Pans, who put on a great show. We danced the night away, followed by the 11 o’clock toast, and then retired to our comfortable beds. The next day the state meeting concluded smoothly, allowing those who had traveled from afar to begin their journeys home on Sunday.
Next week we are off to Portland for the hoop shoot and then to Bath for the Toast and Flag contests.