Downtown Little Rock will be crowded with Shriners convention in capital city
by August 23, 2016 6:10 am 275 views
The Central States Shrine Association 2016 Convention will be held in Little Rock on August 24-27, with approximately 2,000 Shriners and Ladies from Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Arkansas, representing 25 Shrine Centers.
The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau expects the economic impact of the convention to bring an estimated $1.62 million in tourism revenue to the greater Little Rock area over the event’s calendar.
“The Central States Shrine Association Convention has been several years in the making, and we’re thrilled it’s here. We are ready to showcase our wonderful city to such a great group,” said Gretchen Hall, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO.
The Shriners International is a fraternal organization that raises funds to support the 22 Shrine hospitals throughout North America, Canada, and Mexico. Shrine Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research, and teaching programs.
Some competitions and events during the convention are open to the public. They include:
Aug. 25, 2016 Thursday
8:00 a.m. “Golf on the Rock” – Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle.
First annual golf tournament benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children Transportation fund. All proceeds go to help pay transportation costs (approx. $70,000 per year) for Arkansas children to get to Shriners hospitals for treatment. Visit www.scimitarshrine.com for Flyer and Entry form.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. “Oriental Band Ballyhoo” – Little Rock Marriott Hotel lobby
5:30 p.m. “Night Shirt Parade” – Little Rock Marriott Hotel to the River Market Pavilion
7:00 p.m. “Pub Crawl” – Little Rock River Market and North Little Rock Argenta brewpubs
Aug 26, 2016 Friday
7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. “Motor Corps. Competition” – Burns Park Soccer Field parking lots
9:00 a.m. “Keystone Kops Competition” – River Market Pavilion
10:00 a.m. “The Clown Competition” – Statehouse Convention Center Governor’s Hall II
Aug 27, 2016 Saturday
9:00 a.m. “CSSA 2016 Parade” North Little Rock Argenta District
5:00 p.m. – Midnight “Scimitar Shrine Potentates Ball”
Honoring the 2016 Scimitar Shrine Potentate, David “Hollywood” Adams and his Lady Jennifer
(Guests will be in Hollywood Character Costumes or Red Carpet Attire. Tickets Required)