Elks raising funds for annual fireworks display

It's an event Fort Scottians of all ages look forward to each year - the annual Elks fireworks display at Fort Scott Community College. But fireworks, like most things have increased in price over the years. Still yet, members of the Elks Lodge No. 579, Fort Scott, are committed to this annual community event.

On Saturday, Fort Scottians may help the Elks raise the money they need to make the event a reality again this Fourth of July by participating in the Elks' Annual Golf Tournament for Fireworks at Woodland Hills Golf Course.

"It's a day of fun and supporting the community," Elks Exalted Ruler Millie Lipscomb said.

The event will be a four-person scramble with a noon shotgun start. Entry fees are $50 per player or $200 per team. There will be an 11:30 a.m. registration at the course and a sack lunch will be provided at registration.

Lipscomb said the price of fireworks purchased for the annual celebration has increased more than $1,000 over the past three years. She said they hope to raise about $7,000 for fireworks and another $1,000 to cover prizes and expenses for the tournament.

"Things are just more expensive," Lipscomb said. "But it's worth it, we get a real quality show."

Lipscomb said there will be competitions for both men and women, including longest drive, longest putt and closet to the pin with two strokes on a par four or five hole. She said prizes and raffles will include gift certificates, gardening items and various sporting goods.

And although the tournament isn't about large pay out to the golfers, Lipscomb hopes golfers turn out to support the cause.

"This is a tournament where people know it's a benefit," Lipscomb said. "It's not money. What they get are prizes."

She said there will probably be three flights and prizes for first place teams in each flight, totaling 12 people.

"It's fun," Lipscomb said. "A lot of people who do this have done it for years, but we do have some first-time golfers signed up this year. That will be really fun too."

She said about 10 four-person teams have pre-registered and the Elks are hoping for as many as 20.

"I know more will show up that day," Lipscomb said. "If they can let me know ahead of time - that's great- or they can just show up. That will work too. If we get 20 teams, it will be pretty full."

She said if they get more, she would "love to deal with that problem."

She said she is working closely with management at the course to call the tournament by 8:30 or 9 a.m. if there is inclement weather the day of the tournament.

Raffles and awarding of prizes will take place at a post-tournament reception at The Elks Lodge, 111 W. 19th St. Lipscomb said food will be available at the lodge.

For more information or to pre-register, interested persons may call the Elks Lodge at 223-5821 or Lipscomb at 224-0326.