Cedar Rapids selected as site for 2012 Central States Shrine Association Ceremonial Session
The Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced Cedar Rapids has been selected as the site for the Central States Shrine Association’s 2012 Ceremonial Session. The annual convention, hosted by the El Kahir Shrine Center of Cedar Rapids, will be held August 8-12, 2012.
The Cedar Rapids Marriott has been selected as the headquarter hotel. Venues including the Equestrian Center at Kirkwood College, Hawkeye Downs Speedway, Vets Memorial Complex, Cedar Rapids Ice Arena and others will host the group’s various competitions.
The four day event is expected to generate $1,014,000 in direct spending and will be attended by 3,000 visitors representing the 25 Shrine Centers from the eight states that comprise the Central Region of the Shrine of North America.
“Shriners from Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa are excited to converge on the city of Cedar Rapids for fun and competition,” stated James Fry, who will reside as President of the Central States Shrine Association in 2012. “The Cedar Rapids Area CVB was a significant partner in helping to secure Cedar Rapids as the location for the 2012 Session.”
The Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau along with the Cedar Rapids Marriott and Mr. Fry collaborated on the proposal presented to and voted on by the Central States Shrine Association board of directors.
“We are thrilled that the members of the Central States Shrine Association chose Cedar Rapids,” said Tim Boyle, President of the Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Local Shrine organizations have a rich history in Cedar Rapids. We are ready to create a memorable, meaningful visit for all the participants.”
Cedar Rapids is on the Northern edge of the Central States region. Cities hosting the Central States Shrine Association Ceremonial Session prior to coming to Cedar Rapids include St. Louis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Colorado Springs.
About the Shriners International
The Shriners International is a fraternal organization that raises funds to support the 22 Shrine hospitals throughout North America, Canada, and Mexico. Shrine Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs in a family-centered environment. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission to the hospital and receive all care with no financial obligation on the patient or their family. For more information, please visit www.shrinershq.org or www.shrinershospitals.org
