Elks to host golf tournament Saturday

The aim of a golf tournament on Saturday is to help the Elks Lodge No. 579 raise funds needed for the upcoming citywide fireworks display.

The lodge will host an 18-hole, 3-person scramble golf tournament on Saturday at the Fort Scott Country Club, 2414 Horton. The annual tournament is one of several fundraisers the Elks conducts during the year to raise money for the Fourth of July fireworks display that the lodge is responsible for organizing and conducting each year.

The Elks Lodge also receives financial support from people who play in the tournament, as well as the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Mercy Health Center, and several local banks and other businesses in order to pay for the celebration, according to Elks member Bill Brittain.

"This is truly a community effort to put on this fireworks display," he said.

Registration for the tournament begins at 9:30 a.m., with tee time scheduled for 10 a.m. The cost to play in the tournament is $50 per person. The registration fee includes green fees as well as cart rental or trail fees, and covers every game-related purchase golfers will need to make during the event. Players may also enter a planned skins game or putting competition.

Several prizes will be given away during the tournament, Brittain said.

Participants who are currently members of the country club will receive a discount on his or her registration fee as their membership fees have already paid the cost of greens fees and cart fees. These charges will be deducted from the $50 registration fee.

Hole sponsorship is another way the Elks Lodge plans to raise money during the event. Brittain said area businesses can sponsor a hole for $50.

Organizers are anticipating a large turnout at this year's tournament, Brittain said.

Each year, the local Fourth of July fireworks display takes place shortly after 9 p.m. July 4 at Fort Scott Community College.

Local residents who are interested in playing in the tournament can contact Cathy Bishop, the event coordinator, at (620) 224-8289, or by e-mail at elkslodge579@yahoo.com.

Submitted to the Tribune

The Fort Scott Elks Lodge No. 579 celebrated its 110th anniversary on Wednesday, May 5, with a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Special guests included 62 Elks members who are celebrating at least 20 years of service in the organization.

Members and guests in attendance were able to enjoy a Mexican buffet, Texas Hold 'Em poker, Scottish doubles pool, and a Nintendo Wii competition. The event concluded with a silent and live auction of a Netbook.

The Elks is a fraternal organization with nearly one million members and more than 2,000 lodges nationwide. The Elks is also a charitable foundation that donates millions of dollars in scholarships each year.

The organization is also involved in a wide variety of programs including drug awareness and veterans services.

A statement from the Elks Lodge No. 579 said members would like to thank the band Triple Threat for performing on May 1. Band members agreed to have all proceeds from their performance benefit the Citywide Fireworks Display fund. More than 60 people attended the concert at a cost of $5 per person.

Elks members said they consider this to be a great contribution to their fundraising.