(Syracuse, NY – May 13, 2013) The New York State Association of Elks is holding its 88th Annual Convention in Syracuse from May 21 to 27. The convention headquarters is the DoubleTree by Hilton Syracuse, 6301 State Route 298, East Syracuse. Brother Anthony Emery of Syracuse Lodge #1104 and Daughter Mary Newby of Cayadetta Temple #113 are serving as the local organizing committee chairpersons for this event.
Approximately 300 members from all over New York State will convene to conduct business meetings and workshops over the course of the six day event. Invitations have been extended to local dignitaries to attend the Joint Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, May 23. Syracuse Police Department Chief Frank Fowler is delivering the Keynote address as the Civil Liberties awardee at an Awards Luncheon scheduled on Saturday May 25 at 1 p.m. in the DoubleTree’s Harbour Ball Room.
The following events are open to the public:
*Gospel Musical – Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Hopps Memorial CME Church, 1110 S. State Street, Syracuse. Praise and worship from local choirs and soloists. Admission is free.
*Oratorical Contest – Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at DoubleTree Hilton. High School Juniors and Seniors deliver original speeches, not less than six minutes or no more than ten minutes based on one of the five official topics. The topics are:
1. Travon Martin vs. George Zimmerman: Victim or Criminal (Synopsis: Who is the criminal? Who is the victim?)
2. What does “We are an Equal Opportunity Employer” really mean for me?
3. Economic Status of Black Business Today (Synopsis: Black Entrepreneurship – distant memory or present reality?)
4. Should elected officials continue passing New Civil Rights Legislation or strengthen the application of those laws already on the books?
5. Should the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights investigate Stand Your Ground Laws? (Synopsis: Could such laws be a legitimate expansion of the doctrine of self-defense?)
Syracuse Lodge #1104 and Cayadetta Temple #113 are sponsoring local residents Ms. Tionna Knight and Ms. Samantha Turnquest, respectively. The winner of the contest will receive a $1,500 scholarship and represent the New York State Association in a regional contest and compete against the winners from Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The winner of the regional competition will receive an additional $1,000 scholarship and go on to compete at the National level in New Orleans. The National winner receives a scholarship in the amount $7,500 for a grand total of $10,000.
*Bowling Tournament – Friday, May 24 at 9 p.m. at Bowl Mor Lanes, 201 Highland Avenue, East Syracuse. Teams can consist of up to five bowlers, male or female. There will be cash prizes and a traveling trophy will be awarded to the winning team.
*Beauty and Talent Competition – Saturday, May 25 at 7 p.m. at DoubleTree Hilton. Contestants must be single, between the ages of 16 to 20 and currently enrolled in high school or college. Contestants will be judged in the areas of swimsuit, evening gown and talent. The talent performance is not to exceed three minutes in length. The winner of this contest receives an all-expenses paid trip to represent the New York State Association in the Miss Elkdom Pageant at the Elks National Convention in New Orleans in August. Syracuse Lodge #1104 is sponsoring local resident, Ms. Ashley Green as their entrant in this year’s competition. Ms. Green was the 1st Runner up in the 2012 competition.
*State Dance – Sunday, May 26 at 9 p.m. at DoubleTree Hilton. This event opens with the two local comedians followed by live music provided by Brownskin Band. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at Syracuse Lodge #1104, 3815 S. Salina Street, Syracuse NY (315) 876-3248 and at Ma’Dears Total Image Salon & Day Spa location, 1905 South Avenue, Syracuse, NY (315) 421-1130 or Shoppingtown Mall (315) 254-1406 on the lower level inside the School of the Hearts.
For more information on the NYS Association of Elks 88th Annual Convention, please contact Assistant Convention Director Brother Wilton George at (315) 876-3248 or via email atnysconvention@hotmail.com.