Meeting features ‘Cold Sands’ ceremony

The active Zor Roadrunners are looking forward to a strong parade season this summer. The famous parade unit's first meeting of the season was held on Monday, April 19 at the New Richmond American Legion._ In keeping with the rules, Mike Kastens signed the members in attendance and checked their insurance so they were cleared to drive this year. Treasurer Jack Thomas collected the dues necessary for the drivers to participate.

Roadrunners Captain Randy Pfab chaired the meeting and urged all members to participate this coming year. Many towns are holding off on commitments_to hold parades due to concerns over the pandemic, but two towns have decided to hold theirs. Baldwin June Bug Days’ parade is_set for June 12 while Woodville’s Syttende Mai parade is May 15.

There’s more to this famous parade unit than just hopping on a cart and driving. The unit's routines are choreographed for hours before they are parade ready. This, plus many hours of planning and practice makes their performances smooth and polished. Their first practice was held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 26 at the New Richmond American Legion. At the conclusion of the meeting, current Zor Potentate Mark Jerdee led members of the Divan in the 'Cold Sands' ceremony to welcome Austin Mahanke of River Falls as the newest Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He was assisted by Zor Divan Marshal Al Coenen of Tomah and High Priest and Profit Roger Keller of New Richmond._ Past Potentate Barry Ausen gave a report on this year's Vidalia onions.

'If all goes as planned the onions should be here by late in the afternoon of April 30,” Ausen said.

Nobles of the St. Croix Valley Shrine Club are in the process of pre-sales of the sweet onions. If you have not signed up for your onions, do so right away._ The process of deciding the Zor Shrine Temple’s new location is underway. The Wisconsin Masonic Temple will not be considered; another location more centrally located in the state is being considered. A survey of membership with key questions for the nobility_ have been sent out, the response of which will be used to aid in the final decision._ UW-River Falls Homecoming is set for Oct. 2. The Shrine Club plans for their usual high visibility celebration and parade. Watch the papers for details.

Photo by Milt Helmer

Photos by Milt Helmer

Above, members of the Zor Roadrunners are shown after their spring planning meeting. (From left): Captain Randy Pfab, Ty Byhr, Lance Van Dam, Club president Ed Swenson and club secretary Larry Wiegent. Below, Potentate Mark Jerdee leads the nobility in the cold sands ceremony. (From left): Jerdee, Marshal Al Coenen, Austin Mahanke and High Priest and Profit Roger Keller.