Cedar Rapids to Host Thousands of Shriners Aug. 8-11
July 31, 2012
Cedar Rapids,IA–Cedar Rapids will host the Central States Shrine Association 2012 Ceremonial Session on Wednesday, Aug. 8 through Saturday, Aug. 11. Twenty-three shrine centers from seven different states will draw nearly 2,400 attendees to the event.
The Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has assisted the El Kahir Shrine in organizing the event, which is filling hotels city-wide and is expected to generate around $1 million in direct spending.
Several events will be hosted over the weekend with the main focus being the various competitions. The competitions on Thursday and Friday will include foot patrol, clowns, horse competitions, oriental bands, and more and are located all over the Cedar Rapids area, including Hawkeye Downs,Kirkwood Equestrian Center, Scottish Rite Building and Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Ceremonial Session will culminate with an “All Shrine Parade” on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Kirkwood Community College campus. This unique parade will last 2 to 3 hours and will feature over 200 units including Arabian horse troupes, color guard units, funny cars, old fire trucks, marching units, mini bike patrol and more. KGAN News anchor Sadie Hughes will be the emcee for the event. The public is invited to attend the parade and the various competitions.
More information on the 2012 CSSA Ceremonial Session can be found at http://elkahir.org/cssa2012.shtml.
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Categories: General