It marks the first return of the Sudan Shriners Fall Ceremonial to Roanoke Rapids in 15 years, a Shrine parade and the dedication of all the weekend events to a longtime member of the Roanoke Valley Shrine Club — Ed Deese.
“I was very honored they thought of me to do that,” Deese said at a planning meeting Monday night. “There are probably others more deserving but if that's their decision I accept it.”
Deese said the weekend of ceremonies, other events and the parade will bring to light the many things that Shriners do to fund children hospitals.
(For more information on children's hospital services call Tripp at 252-578-6761. For businesses wanting to donate coupons to HCVB goodie bags for visitors call Medlin at 252-535-1687)
Deese became a 32nd degree Mason in the 1970s and, according to a memo from Sudan Shrine Potentate Ken Bennett, “Crossed the desert sands and became a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and member of Sudan Shriners in January 1973. Forty years of dedication to our fraternity and philanthropy. He is truly a noble man and worthy of having this fall ceremonial named in his honor.”
Said Roanoke Valley Shrine Club President Randy Bowen of Deese, “It speaks a lot to his dedication for the community, just him giving of himself.”
Shining a light
The weekend will include many activities, Bowen said, many of them dedicated to inducting new Shriners, but the most important aspect of the weekend may be drawing attention to work Shriners do.
Bowen said many people do not realize help for a child from infant to 18 is immediately available through a network of Shrine hospitals.
Shriners Hospitals for Children historically have treated children for orthopedic issues, burn injuries, spinal injuries, deformities and cleft palate.
Wes Tripp, vice president of the local shrine club, is the designee for hospital services. “You simply call a local shriner and we get in touch with the people. It's free. We have local people for transport teams to pick families up.”
Said Bowen: “It's all about giving back to the community.”
Parade
The big event for the public will be a 40-unit parade that begins November 16 at 11 a.m. and will commence from Thirteenth Street to Roanoke Avenue and end at Fifth Street.
The parade route was designed to end at Fifth Street near Deese's house so he will have an opportunity to view it, organizers said.
The parade will include Shrine units from as far away as Manteo and Wilmington, Sudan said in a news release.
Local impact
The impact of the weekend on the local economy is going to be significant, said Chris Wicker, who is working with the Halifax Convention and Visitors Bureau to plan logistics.
With some 1,000 to 1,200 Shriners from across the region expected to come to the events, Wicker said, “We're helping them with the things they need, finding caterers, PA systems. The Hilton Garden Inn already has 75 rooms booked as well as other hotels. It's going to be a significant boost.”
Lori Medlin, director of the HCVB, said, “We're delighted they chose us.”
Medlin said the HCVB, which will be handing out goodie bags to the visitors, is still looking for businesses that want to donate coupons for the bags. They have until November 12 to get in touch with her.
