The Shriners are coming to town!!!
The Ramoca Shrine Club is hosting its Fall Ceremonial in Owen Sound this weekend.
You are invited to watch their parade — which starts at 1 PM Saturday in downtown Owen Sound.
Dan Ward says the parade will feature Oriental bands and clowns while Shriner members drive around in small cars, mini motorcycles and motorized outhouses.
The parade will set up at National Grocers then travel along 2nd Avenue East towards city hall, turn onto 8th Street and travel along 3rd Avenue East and head back towards the Harry Lumley Bayshore.
Rob White says everyone participating in the parade is a member of Shriner Clubs.
Ward says about 250 Shriners are expected in Owen Sound this weekend — and they will travel from as far away as Barrie, Toronto, Timmins, Belleville and Niagara Falls.
White says the Fall Ceremonial is also used as a way to attract new members and show what the Shriners are all about.
New members must be master masons and belong to a Masonic lodge.
The Shriner Club is an organization that raises money for children and their families who need to go to Shriner’s Hospitals.
The hospitals help kids up to 18 years of age who have suffered severe burns or bone problems.
White and Ward both say their fundraising helps families with healthcare and transportation costs as well as medical research.
The members of the club raise money by hosting a golf tournament and selling Christmas cakes in the mall around Christmas time.
Last year — the Ramoca Shrine Club raised 15 thousand dollars.
There is also an annual lottery and the winner will be drawn this Saturday with up to 10 thousand dollars in prize money.
You can also visit Owen Sound’s local Club at www.ramocashrineclub.ca
