My family and I spent the weekend in Salida, Colorado visiting friends and attending the 60th Blue Paddle FIBArk Whitewater Festival. There were all kinds of races, competitions and even a kayak rodeo. My girls, being 4 and almost 2 were especially excited about the bounce house and the Saturday morning Blue Paddle FIBArk Parade. We slathered on the sunscreen, packed a few snacks and headed down to F Street where the parade was already in progress. We should have guessed that an election year would bring a politician-filled parade. We watched and waited and claimed the occassional stray tootsie roll that had been missed (or simply passed over) by the older, faster children. Democrats, Republicans, Republicans, Democrats. So far the parade was not living up to the hype we had created. Finally, in the distance we spotted an actual float, you know, the kind usually found in a parade. As the float came closer we began to ask, "what is that?"
It soon became obvious that the float was the head of a giant Shriner. Let me first say that at least half of the parade consisted of shriners. This particularly frightening shriner had flashing eyeballs and was smoking a cigar that at one time must have blown actual smoke. I watched as my girls watched. So far, the parade had been boring but now they were clearly worried. Thankfully, candy and beads make for a great distraction. All around me I heard people ask, "what exactly is a Shriner?" So I've done a little research.
Shriner (shrī'nər) n. A member of a U.S. secret fraternal order that is not Masonic but that admits only Knights Templars and 32nd-degree Masons as members. Thank you Answers.com but I wasn't quite satisfied.
According to Wikipedia, Shriner is short for Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Given their heavy involvement in community parades, I can see why they shortened it. Basically, it is a men's fraternity whose only religious requirement is that all Shriners must be Masons, and petitioners to Freemasonry must profess a belief in a supreme being. While Shriners are probably best known for their involement in parades, it should be noted that they are very committed to community service and charity. There are currently 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children across North America where children under the age of 18 receive free treatments regardless of financial status.
In 2002, Shriner Gary Bergenske suggested the Fraternity come up with a more "child-friendly" mascot. It was agreed and Fez Head Fred became the new mascot for the Shriners Fraternity. Thank you Gary. I believe the Shriners have much to offer the community and especially our children. It is my hope that Fez Head Fred will soon begin making parade appearances so that the bulging-eyed, cigar-puffing, giant with the creepy grin seen above can parade his way into retirement.
I have two small children, ages two and four. Every time we leave the house I go through a mental checklist: diapers, wipes, water, sunscreen, hats, snacks. Every mom understands this. My children seldom miss snacks; they've never missed a meal. So it was with tear-filled eyes I watched this message from Wess Stafford of Compassion International. As I hear of children sleeping through lunch because they have no food and mothers feeding children leaves from trees because they have no rice, I struggle to understand. But I can't. I have never known the actual physical pain that is hunger; neither have my children. I have never watched my children literally starve because we have no food. I have never had to skip a meal so my children could eat. I don't personally know anyone who has. What does this say about me and my involvement with those in need?
