Saturday, 4 July. We’re handling the day a bit different from the past, with the whole unit handling parades together in the western suburbs before closing with Wheeling. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be available to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible. For all teams, the uniform is your Saturday red WSSC parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers, as it is likely that all of us who are not driving the full-sized automobiles will draw a rotation of marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to tell him your availability:

Brookfield’s Independence Day parade. 8:00 a.m. muster time [an hour earlier than before]. Because of road construction, the route is a bit different from usual. After dropping off your lady at Petey & Lynette's home (the "Papadog house") at 3434 Vernon Avenue in Brookfield, muster at 8:00 a.m. at the Brookfield Water Commission, located at 8636 Brookfield Avenue. Ladies will be provided refreshments and should, accordingly, ring 708-256-7649 to RSVP. Click here for more information on the ladies' activities.

Oakbrook Terrace’s Independence Day parade. Muster at 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the Home Depot located at 17W734 22nd Street in Oakbrook Terrace.

Wheeling’s Independence Day parade. Muster at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of one of the businesses at the intersection of East Lake Cook Road and Northgate Parkway, in Wheeling [note the new time & location].

Sunday, 5 July. We’ll split the unit into two teams of four cars each. Email Petey to tell him in which parade you want to participate. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars.

Crystal Lake’s Independence Day gala parade. Muster at 12:00 noon at the municipal parking lot, located at the intersection of East Woodstock Street and North Walkup Avenue, in Crystal Lake. Uniform is blue WSSC parade shirt and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Dixon’s Petunia Festival parade. Muster at 12:00 noon at the parking lot of the Lee County Courthouse, located at 309 South Galena Avenue, in Dixon. Uniform is blue WSSC parade shirt and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 July:

135th annual Shrine Imperial Council session, in San Antonio, Texas. Hosted by Alzafar Shriners. Come and cheer on many of Medinah Shriners’ marching units as they compete to be the best in all the Shrine. Click here for a full schedule.

Saturday, 11 July, at 2:30 p.m.:

Glendale Heights Fest parade. Muster at 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Americana Elementary School, located at 1629 President Street, in Glendale Heights. Uniform is red parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Sunday, 12 July:

West Suburban Shrine Club brunch cruise on Lake Michigan and official visit from our Illustrious Potentate, Ron Stephan, his Divan, and their ladies.  Board at 12:30 p.m., and shove off at 1:00 p.m., returning at or about 3:00 p.m., aboard Mystic Blue, departing from Navy Pier, located at 600 East Grand Avenue, in Chicago. For a mere US$50.00 per person, you get a two-hour party cruise, featuring a hot brunch buffet (included), cash bar, dancing to music spun by a disk jockey, skyline sightseeing along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, and optional free bus transport from Medinah Shrine Centre. Dress is casual, with no fez. Reservations must be received no later than 5 July, and include a cheque payable to WSSC. Click here for an informative flier and reservations form. For more information, email Noble Jim Lyman.

West Chicago’s Railroad Days parade. Muster at 12:00 noon in the parking lot of Turner Elementary School, located at 750 Ingalton Avenue, in West Chicago. Uniform is blue WSSC parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Sunday, 19 July:

Medinah Shriners’ all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast & huge bake sale, at 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Open to the Public. In the main ballroom of our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee, milk, and orange juice. The price is only US$6.00 for adults & children twelve years of age and older, and US$3.00 for children aged two to eleven years. Proceeds inure to the benefit of the Medinah Shriners and are not deductible. Click here for an informative flier.

We'll split the unit, with one team of four cars attending the Medinah car show, and the other team of four cars earning our keep a the McHenry Fiesta Days parade:

Medinah Shriners’ 2nd Annual Car Show, at 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (open), 3:00 p.m. (trophies awarded). At our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. All are welcome to enter (nobles, family, friends, neighbours, and the public). Enter your car for only US$15.00 (if postmarked no later than 10 July; otherwise, the registration fee is US$20.00). Food and beverages will be available; please leave your coolers at home. Proceeds inure to the benefit of the Medinah Shriners and are not deductible. Click here for an informative flier and registration form. For more information, ring 630-899-1400. WSSC uniform is blue WSSC parade shirt, white trousers, and wear your fez! Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there.

McHenry Fiesta Days parade. Muster at 12:30 p.m. at the Metra station parking lot, located at 4005 Main Street, in McHenry; note that Main Street will be closed, so enter from Mill Street. Uniform is blue WSSC parade shirt and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Saturday, 25 July: We'll split the unit into two teams of four cars each.

Streamwood Summer Celebration parade. Muster at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Streamwood Public Works facility, located at 565 South Bartlett Road, in Streamwood. Uniform is red WSSC parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Algonquin Founders Days parade. Muster at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot located at parking lot at the intersection of Route 31 (Main Street) and Huntington Drive, in Algonquin. Uniform is red WSSC parade shirt and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Sunday, 26 July, at 10:30 a.m. (muster); 11:30 a.m. (step-off):

Lake Zurich’s Alpine Days parade. Muster at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Paulus Park, located at 200 South Rand Road, in Lake Zurich. This is Lake County’s largest parade, with six trophies up for grabs. Alpine Days draws an estimated 10,000 people to the park for the three days of carnival rides, carnival games, food, fun family events and entertainment. The final day of the festival includes the Alpine parade down main Street. It is the biggest single event of the year in Lake Zurich. Uniform is blue WSSC parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Wednesday Evening, 5 August, at 6:30 p.m.:

monthly WSSC stag dinner, in the Oasis of our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Wear your fez or pay the fine. And remember that jeans, shorts and t-shirts (as outerwear) are prohibited in the Oasis and in the banquet rooms. To ensure we have the proper amount of space and food, please ring 3rd Vice President, Noble Ed Kral, at 630-323-9061.

Saturday, 8 August:

Medinah Shriners’ annual picnic at the Brookfield Zoo. At 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (event); 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. (picnic buffet). We're going back to the world-famous Brookfield Zoo, located at 8400 31st Street (south-west corner of 31st Street and 1st Avenue), in Brookfield [31st Street is a.k.a. “Oak Brook Road” to our DuPage County brethren]. This is a fantastic bargain and an outstanding event for the whole family. For only ten dollars per person over 2 years of age, you get parking in the north lot, zoo admission, admission to the children’s zoo, the dolphin show, and a two-hour picnic buffet in the Oak Grove picnic area. Bring your family.  The zoo has undergone extensive renovations and expansions over the past decade, with massive new exhibits opening each year.  This year, the new bear habitat is scheduled to open.  Dress is casual and sans fez. Make your reservations straight away. There is a strict cut-off date of 10 July for reservations; no Medinah packages will be available after that date.

Ottawa’s Riverfest parade. Muster at the U.S. Silica plant, located at 701 Boyce Memorial Drive, in Ottawa. We know this is further out than most of our parades, but we had such a great time the last few years, that we had to go back – plus they love us there! After we pack up the Roaring ‘57s, please join us as we caravan to a Dutch-treat afterglow, at Ripp’s Tavern, located at 311 North Main Street, in the neighbouring town of Ladd, and serving the best known US$4.00 fried chicken in LaSalle County. Mal and Mary Condie turned us onto this place three years ago, and it was fabulous. Uniform is blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Friday Evening, 21 August, at 4:15 p.m. (bus departure), 7:00 p.m. (game time):

WSSC’s annual Elvis Night at the ballpark. Join West Suburban Shrine Club at U.S. Cellular Field (formerly “New” Comiskey Park; formerly the parking lot for “old” Comiskey Park), as the Chicago White Sox host the Baltimore Orioles, and get an Elvis show for the bargain – the E Team will parachute into the field dressed in their finest Presley-esque garb. Family and friends are very welcome. Catch the bus at a location to be announced (sometimes we use Riverside Masonic Temple; sometimes the First Student terminal in Hodgkins). Details will be posted when published.

Sunday, 30 August, at 12:00 noon:

Addison Day parade. Medinah-wide participation. Muster last October was at 12:00 noon at the DuPage County Health Department, located at 1111 West Lake Street, in Addison. Medinah Shriners are an Addison Village Partner, so let’s have an extra-strong turn-out for this one, and give our neighbours a heck of a show! Stick around for the fun and festivities in the park. Uniform is blue WSSC parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Wednesday Evening, 2 September, at 6:30 p.m.:

monthly WSSC stag dinner, in the Oasis of our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Wear your fez or pay the fine. And remember that jeans, shorts and t-shirts (as outerwear) are prohibited in the Oasis and in the banquet rooms. To ensure we have the proper amount of space and food, please ring 3rd Vice President, Noble Ed Kral, at 630-323-9061.

Saturday, 5 September, at 9:00 a.m. (muster):

Lake In the Hills’ Summer Sunset Festival parade. Muster at 9:00 a.m. in the festival parking area located on Miller Road, east of Haligus Road, in Lake in the Hills; please note that Haligus Road and portions of Miller Road will close at 9:00 a.m. so please be on time or we will not be able to get to our line-up location. Uniform is red parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Sunday, 6 September at 12:00 noon (muster); 1:00 p.m. (step-off):

Frankfort’s Fall Festival parade. Muster at 12:00 noon in the parking area located at intersection of West Nebraska and South Locust Streets, in Frankfort. Uniform is blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Monday, 7 September: We’ll spit the unit into two teams. Email Petey to let him know in which parade you want to participate.

Zion’s Jubilee Days / Labour Day parade. Medinah-wide participation. Assemble at 11:45 a.m. (the streets close 30 minutes later) in Shiloh Park on Bethel Boulevard, in Zion. The trailer will probably be in at Central Junior High School like the last few years, located at the corner of Bethel Boulevard and 27th Street. Parking should be available nearby at Shiloh Park School, located a couple of blocks away, at the corner of Gabriel Avenue and 27th Street. This is a one of our longer parades, starting in the park and weaving through several streets in town, it goes a couple of miles; the spectators are out in force, and they cheer loudly. The later streets are wide, with plenty of room for our best show formations, while the earlier streets are more intimate yet still wide enough for our loops and figure-eights. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing afterglow at Moose Family Centre No. 667, located at 41517 North Sheridan Road.  Click here for Medinah’s parade letter and route map. Bring both red and blue shirts, and we’ll either vote or mix-and-match; but, as always, wear your fez!  Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57 march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Schaumburg’s Septemberfest parade. Muster at a time to be announced, in the Jewel/Osco parking lot, located at the intersection of South Roselle Road and Wise Road, in Schaumburg. Bring both red and blue shirts, and we’ll either vote or mix-and-match; but, as always, wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

weekend day in September, to be announced:

WSSC family outing to a pumpkin farm. For West Suburban Shriners, our ladies, children, grandchildren, et al. Details will be posted when published. For more information, email Noble Jim Lyman.

Saturday, 12 September, at 10:00 a.m.:

Bloomingdale’s Septemberfest parade. Assemble at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of DuJardin School, located at 122 South Euclid Avenue, in Bloomingdale. The Medinah Shrine Centre is only a stone’s throw from Bloomingdale, so come out and show our neighbours who the Roaring ‘57s are and what we do! After the parade, enjoy musical performances, a motorcycle show, contests, and scholarship presentations. Uniform is red parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Saturday, 19 September, (muster time to be announced):

Great Lakes Shrine Association convention parade. Muster at a time and location to be announced. Details will be posted when published. Uniform is red parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Sunday, 20 September: We'll split the unit into two teams of four cars each.

Romeoville Founders Day parade. Assemble at 1:00 p.m. at a location to be announced, somewhere in Romeoville. Uniform is blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Dwight’s Harvest Days parade. Muster at 12:00 noon, under the grain elevator. Take I-55 south to Dwight, exit onto Illinois Route 17 and turn left; turn left again onto Old U.S. Route 66 and follow the signs to the grain elevator. Click here for an approximate MapQuest map & directions. The parade kicks off with the 10th annual Basset Hound Waddle, where hundreds of bassets and their owners parade down Mazon Avenue. We know that Dwight is a bit of a drive, but they are providing a very generous honorarium for our attendance; there is also a carnival, craft show and a petting zoo, so bring the family and make a day of it. Uniform is blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Wednesday Evening, 23 September, at 6:30 p.m.:

West Suburban Shrine Club’s dinner with our ladies, at Bohemian Crystal, located at 639 Blackhawk Drive, in Westmont. Wear your fez or pay the fine.  For more information, email Noble Jim Lyman.  To ensure we have the proper amount of space and food, please ring 3rd Vice President, Noble Ed Kral, at 630-323-9061.

Friday Evening, 25 September, at 7:00 p.m. (doors open); 7:30-10:30 p.m. (open bar); 8:30 p.m. (drawing); (light meal follows drawing):

17th annual 600 Club dinner. Medinah Shriners’ annual sweepstakes fundraiser, at our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Each ticket costs only US$100.00 and admits a party of two for fun, food, refreshments, and dancing. The first prize is US$50,000; three second prizes of US$10,000 each; and thirty-four third prizes of US$500 each. Winners need not be present in order to win; only in order to enjoy the food, fun, refreshments and dancing. The “600 Club” is an officially licensed raffle run by Medinah Shriners for the benefit of Medinah Shriners. There will be an absolute maximum of two thousand (2,000) tickets sold, so the odds of winning are higher than any we have seen from other organisations. All winners will be notified promptly by a telephone call from one of the nobles on the 600 Club Committee. If you are interested in participating in this extraordinary opportunity, pick up the phone and call the Medinah office 630-889-1400. You will be talking with one of the ladies from our Recorder’s office staff, not some stranger. Have your credit card ready. Donation is US$100. Refreshments, snacks and dancing are included. Thank you for your support and, GOOD LUCK! Proceeds from the 600 Club inure to the benefit of Medinah Shriners to support our many fraternal activities, and are thus not deductible as a charitable contribution.

Sunday, 27 September:

Grundy County’s Corn Festival parade, in Morris. Assemble at 1:00 p.m. at Morris Community High School, located at 1000 Union Street, in Morris. Uniform is blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Roaring ‘57s jacket or old-style WSSC jacket optional if the weather is cool or otherwise inclement, or you can wear a blue or black sweatshirt under your blue parade shirt. Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Saturday Evening, 3 October, at 5:30 p.m.:

River Grove’s Fall Fest parade:

Ladies: Assemble at 5:30 p.m. at the entrance to River Front Park on Thatcher Avenue (same place as always; look for Lynette). The River Grove Fall Fest parade is the final of our special ladies’ parades of 2009! This represents a great opportunity to spend time with your fellow ladies and to see the Roaring ‘57s in action. It’s an evening parade and the weather may be cold, so dress warmly. Bring your lawn chair and meet Lynette, Peanut and Colleen. We’ll watch the parade from an excellent sideline location adjacent to the festival grounds. (The portable latrines are nearby.) After the parade, please join us at the annual parade afterglow in National Field where our cars are parked.

Nobles: Muster at 5:30 in the grassy parking area of National Field off of Oak Street and River Grove Avenue, in River Grove. Uniform is red parade shirt, and wear your fez! Roaring ‘57s jacket or old-style WSSC jacket optional if the weather is cool or otherwise inclement, or you can wear a blue or black sweatshirt under your blue parade shirt. Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Wednesday Evening, 7 October, at 6:30 p.m.:

monthly WSSC stag dinner, in the Oasis of our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Wear your fez or pay the fine. And remember that jeans, shorts and t-shirts (as outerwear) are prohibited in the Oasis and in the banquet rooms. To ensure we have the proper amount of space and food, please ring 3rd Vice President, Noble Ed Kral, at 630-323-9061.

Friday-Saturday, 9-10 October:

Illinois Grand Lodge Annual Communication, at Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Centre, located at 1 Convention Center Plaza, in Springfield, Illinois. Contact the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Illinois at 217-529-8900 for more information. While in historic Springfield, visit the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Details will be posted when published.

Sunday, 11 October, at 12:00 noon:

Franklin Park’s Fall Fest parade. Assemble at 12:00 noon in the Metra parking lot on the south side of the tracks, located at approximately 3145 North Rose Street, in Franklin Park. Uniform is blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Roaring ‘57s jacket or old-style WSSC jacket optional if the weather is cool or otherwise inclement, or you can wear a blue or black sweatshirt under your blue parade shirt. Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring '57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Saturday, 24 October, at 8:00 a.m. (registration & tours); 9:00 (stated meeting); 10:00 (ceremonial); 11:00 (potentate’s pageant); 12:30 (lunch):

Medinah Shriners’ stated meeting and full-form ceremonial. At our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Bring your dues card. Let’s make Medinah’s new nobles feel welcome; let them know they are in the company of brothers on this side of the hot sands! Demonstrate to them the glory and fellowship that are the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Medinah Shriners, and the West Suburban Shrine Club! Because of the potentate’s pageant, please wear your red WSSC shirt and slacks (not denim) (bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty). No jeans nor t-shirts (as outerwear); each is forbidden. Are you a Master Mason who would like to join us? Click here to contact Medinah's 2nd Ceremonial Master (& West Suburban Shrine Club’s webmaster), Noble Dave Miley. Find out more about the Shrine here!

Sunday, 25 October, at 12:00 noon:

Sycamore’s Pumpkin Festival parade. Muster at 12:00 noon in the parking lot of Ideal Industries, located at 1200 Park Avenue, in Sycamore. They liked us so much last year, they had to have us back. In addition to the parade, the festival includes a carnival and craft show. Uniform is blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Roaring ‘57s jacket or old-style WSSC jacket optional, or you can wear a blue or black sweatshirt under your blue parade shirt. Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Wednesday Evening, 4 November, at 6:30 p.m.:

monthly WSSC stag dinner, in the Oasis of our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Wear your fez or pay the fine. And remember that jeans, shorts and t-shirts (as outerwear) are prohibited in the Oasis and in the banquet rooms. To ensure we have the proper amount of space and food, please ring 3rd Vice President, Noble Ed Kral, at 630-323-9061.

date in November, to be announced:

West Suburban Shrine Club’s Past Presidents’ dinner. For West Suburban Shriners and our ladies. This is our annual formal dinner at which we honour our past presidents. Details will be posted when published. For more information, email Noble Jim Lyman.

Saturday, 7 November, at 12:00 a.m. (muster):

Hillside’s Veterans’ Day parade. Assemble at 12:00 noon in the parking lot of Saint Domitilla’s Church, located at 605 North Hillside Avenue, in Hillside. Uniform is red parade shirt, and wear your fez! Roaring ‘57s jacket or old-style WSSC jacket optional, or you can wear a blue or black sweatshirt under your blue parade shirt. Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Saturday, 14 November, at a time to be announced:

Medinah Shriners’ Variety Show. At our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Details will be posted when published

Saturday Evening, 21 November, time to be announced:

Addison Mayor’s 18th annual charity ball, at a location to be announced. All proceeds from the tickets sold by Medinah go our patient transportation fund to fly burned children and their families to the Shriners Hospital for Children’s Cincinnati Burn Centre and to transport area children and their families to the Chicago Shriners Hospital for Children to treat their orthopaedic conditions and spinal chord injuries. Nobles’ dress is fez with black tie (for those of you from Rio Linda, ‘black tie’ means a tuxedo [preferred] or a dark suit & solid-colour tie [acceptable, but subject to mockery]). Ladies’ dress is eveningwear. Details will be posted when published. Contact the Medinah Shrine Centre office at 630-889-1400 for more information.

Friday Evening, 27 November, we’ll spit the unit into two teams. Email Petey to let him know in which parade you want to participate.

Westmont Frosty & Friends night parade. Muster at 5:15 p.m., at Fitz Werley Park, located at the intersection of East Traube Avenue and Warwick Avenue, in Westmont. Uniform is your choice of red or blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Roaring ‘57s jacket or old-style WSSC jacket optional, or you can wear a red, black, or black sweatshirt under your red or blue parade shirt. Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Crystal Lake’s Festival of Lights night parade. Muster at 6:00 p.m. in the faculty parking lot of Crystal Lake Central High School, located at 45 West Franklin Street, in Crystal Lake. Uniform is your choice of red or blue parade shirt, and wear your fez! Roaring ‘57s jacket or old-style WSSC jacket optional, or you can wear a red, black, or black sweatshirt under your red or blue parade shirt. Bring white trousers in case you draw marching duty. Please click here to review the protocol guide, with useful reminders about fez wear and parade cars. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to drive a Roaring ‘57, march, carry the banner, provide a convertible, or ride in a convertible.

Wednesday Evening, 2 December, at 6:30 p.m.:

monthly WSSC stag dinner, in the Oasis of our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Wear your fez or pay the fine. And remember that jeans, shorts and t-shirts (as outerwear) are prohibited in the Oasis and in the banquet rooms. To ensure we have the proper amount of space and food, please ring 3rd Vice President, Noble Ed Kral, at 630-323-9061.

Sunday, 6 December, at 8:00 a.m.:

Chicagoland Toys for Tots motorcycle parade. West Suburban Shriners will once again work the intersection of Ogden and Western Avenues, controlling traffic as each tier of several thousand motorcycles, fire trucks, Marine Corps HMMWVs, inter alia pass through on their way north from the Dan Ryan Woods at 83rd Street and Western Avenue, up to Foster Avenue and the Marine Reserve Centre, each one of them carrying toys for needy Chicago-area children. The Chicagoland Toys For Tots motorcycle parade is the largest motorcycle parade in the world, with tens of thousands of bikers – and runs for nearly nineteen miles along the world’s longest street (Western Avenue is 23½ miles long within the city, plus several more miles in the suburbs). Please, no stuffed animals; this is due to health concerns (allergies & hygiene). Uniform is blue parade shirt and unit jacket – and, of course, your fez, so everyone will see the Shriners' participation! You will be issued an orange safety vest on site. Email Petey to let him know you’ll be there to help.

Friday Evening, 11 December, at 6:30 p.m.:

West Suburban Shrine Club’s Holiday Party. At Tony’s Breakfast Café & Family Restaurant, located at 9414 West Ogden Avenue, in Brookfield. For West Suburban Shriners and our ladies. Details will be posted when published. For more information, email Noble Jim Lyman.

Saturday, 12 December, 10:00 a.m. (doors open) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Santa & Mrs. Claus present):

Medinah Shriners’ children’s holiday party. At our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Bring your good little girls and boys to meet Santa Claus at the annual holiday party. Surprises and entertainment for all. Games will be held in the unit rooms. Hotdogs, chips, soda-pop & ice cream for refreshment. Uniform is black or red WSSC shirt, and wear your fez. Bring your kids or grandkids, and your lady. Reservations are required by 30 November to ensure presents for all of the children attending. Contact the Medinah Shrine Centre office at 630-889-1400 for more information.

Thursday Evening, 31 December 2009 – Friday Morning, 1 January 2010, 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.:

Medinah Shriners’ New Year’s Eve party, at our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Details will be posted when published. Proceeds inure to the benefit of the Medinah Shriners and are not deductible. Reservations are required; telephone 630-458-0200 for reservations and more information.

Contact the hotels directly for hotel reservations; some suggestions from the Medinah office are: Hilton Garden Inn next door at 630-691-0500; Wyndham Northwest (in Itasca) at 630-773-4000; Wyndham Garden Wood Dale at 630-860-2900.

Friday, 1 January 2010, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.:

Medinah Shriners’ New Year brunch, at our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Start the new year with Medinah over a brunch fit for a king and queen. Details will be posted when published. Proceeds inure to the benefit of the Medinah Shriners and are not deductible. Reservations are required; call 630-458-0200 to RSVP.

Wednesday Evening, 6 January 2010, at 6:30 p.m.:

monthly WSSC stag dinner and annual officer election, at our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Wear your fez or pay the fine. And remember that jeans, shorts and t-shirts (as outerwear) are prohibited in the Oasis and in the banquet rooms. To ensure we have the proper amount of space and food, please ring 3rd Vice President, Noble Ed Kral, at 630-323-9061.

Friday Evening, 15 January 2010, at 7:30 p.m.:

Medinah Shriners’ annual meeting, election, and installation of officers, at our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Stag. Double-guarded (tyled). Wear your fez and bring your dues card. Dress is fez with suit & tie or sport coat & tie [not the club polo shirt; a suit or sport coat, and tie - got it?]. Details will be posted when published.

Sunday, 17 January 2010, 1:00 p.m. (doors open); 1:30 (lunch, followed by installation):

installation of club officers – all clubs of the Medinah Shriners, at our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. Open to nobles, family and friends. Details will be posted when published. Dress is fez with suit or sport coat & tie [not the club polo shirt; a suit or sport coat, and tie - got it?]; appropriate counterpart attire for the ladies.

Saturday-Thursday, 3-8 July 2010:

136th annual Shrine Imperial Council session, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in fabulous Toronto, Ontario. Hosted by Ramses Shriners. Come and cheer on many of Medinah Shriners’ marching units as they compete to be the best in all the Shrine. Toronto, Ontario is starting to roll out the red carpet for you right now. The city is truly excited that the Shriners are coming to town. The people of Toronto love us for what we do for kids through our Shriners Hospitals, plus the parades and pageantry that we will display while we are there. “Toronto Unlimited” is the theme of your host city. It is one of the premier cities in North America in terms of cultures, the diversities of attractions, and opportunities for enjoyment. As they say, Toronto is a “world within a city.” Spend a few minutes clicking onto the links in the session’s web site to wet your appetite about coming here 3-8 July 2010. You’ll see why thousands upon thousands of Shriners went there in 1989 and made it the largest Imperial convention and longest Shrine parade ever! While there, see the famous Shrine Peace Memorial dedicated during the 1930 Imperial Council Session (and tentatively planned to be re-dedicated at the 2010 convention).

Friday-Thursday, 1-7 July 2011:

137th annual Shrine Imperial Council session, in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by El Jebel Shrine. Come and cheer on many of Medinah Shriners’ marching units as they compete to be the best in all the Shrine. Click here for a full schedule.

Saturday Evening, 17 September 2011 (exact time to be announced):

Reception for York Rite Grand Presiding Officers, at our Medinah Shrine Centre, located at 550 North Shriners Drive, in Addison. The Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois, the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Illinois, and the Right Excellent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Illinois will be honoured at a joint reception and dinner.

July 2012:

138th annual Shrine Imperial Council session, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hosted by Oasis Shriners. Come and cheer on many of Medinah Shriners’ marching units as they compete to be the best in all the Shrine. Details will be posted when published.