Good Morning All,
As many of you are aware, the 2025 Maine Elks Association MCCP/FORKS Camping Weekend is just about 1 month away.
With that being said, as Co-Chairs of this 5th Annual Event, Shu and I wanted to reach out to touch base and provide you with an update.
First and foremost, we are concerned that the number of attendees appears to be significantly less this year.
For whatever reasons, some lodges have not decided to participate this year and the number of attendees, thus far, has appeared to decrease. That is unfortunate for the main idea and goal of this event from the get-go has been to promote camaraderie, goodwill and most importantly raise some amazing funds for our major state project, the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, in a fun and relaxing environment. “It’s for the kids!!!“
Last year, alone, this one weekend raised nearly $80,000.00 of the $298,312 showing for the total amount raised for MCCP this past year on the Maine Elks website. We hope to keep that momentum going!
The results have far exceeded our expectations thus far, especially when we think of all of the hard work, dedication and commitment that the 19 lodges have collectively put in to make this event THRIVE and raise nearly $206,000.00 in it’s first four years.
We have put together a new leadership team for the 2026 MEA Camping Weekend. Representatives from Central, Coastal and Northern Districts.
– Tammy Pierce, ER (Gardiner#1293)
– Rori Dargie, ER (Biddeford/Saco #1597)
– Liz Grant, PDDGER & PER (Houlton #835)
These representatives will be exploring other venue options which could lead to relocating the camping weekend to a new location. Perhaps that will refresh the excitement, and create more involvement and interest with Elks, across the State and beyond. Lots of plans in the works, but we need to focus on the “here and now,“ as well by promoting involvement by all of the lodges to continue supporting the weekend, and to make this years’ event another spectacular one.
A few Ideas have been discussed to promote greater participation from all lodges.
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If your lodge is not attending as a group this year, we will still gladly welcome your donated items for the “Live Auction.” The item must have at least a $400.00 value and each lodge may submit up to 2 items. We will have a team that will promote your items and monies will be sent to your lodge to turn in under: MCCP/FORKS EVENT at the October State Association meeting.
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Consider a $200.00 cash donation for the MCCP/FORKS EVENT, which would equate to eight registered attendees. This has been a past practice that has been well received by some of the lodges that couldn’t participate for whatever reason.
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Gather lodge members and take a day trip to support the event on Saturday, August 23rd. It’s a great ride and beautiful area. The Day Pass is only $10.00 per person. This is the day representatives from MCCP hope to visit and the news station as well, they both loved the event last year and plan to come back! How cool would it be to have the Elks Rider Groups visit that day or side-by-side or ATV Riders stop by too?
- Old Town Lodge #1287 will offer a Motor Coach Bus “Day Trip,” on Saturday, August 23rd, for those that may be interested. The route will be: Old Town Lodge, stop at Bangor and Skowhegan Lodges & Return. A flyer will be available soon with details. Please help us spread the word and fill that bus!!! I believe it holds 55 people. This is an incredibly awesome option. Thank you to Randy and Deb for rolling with this – I asked and they are making it happen!!! When Elks work together, we can literarily move mountains!
– The Bath Lodge will be offering Lobster/Crabmeat and/or Chicken Salad with Chips & Coleslaw on Friday, August 22nd from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
– The Skowhegan-Madison Lodge has a nice BBQ planned for that afternoon, around 12:00 p.m., lunch may be purchased from them.
– Gardiner #1293 will be hosting dinner Thursday night, August 21 in the field offering Meatball Subs and other goodies.
Plan to join us Saturday Night, for a Halloween Themed Costume Dance Party at the Boatsman Bar & Grill at Three Rivers, from 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., they have great food and spirits available.
Lodging is still available – Call April at Three Rivers for an overnight reservation: #207-663-2104
We need more activities on our schedule, too! Please contact Tammy Pierce, to explore ideas and add to the festivities!
We would love to see our MCCP Mascot & have someone with a great camera there on Saturday. *Please let us know if you can assist with photos.
Thank you for your time and attention, this is near and dear to the hearts of, many and we greatly appreciate your support.
Fraternally,
Mike & Lina Michaud, PERS
MCCP/FORKS Co-Chairs
(#207-441-2838 or #207-485-4710)