FARMINGTON — Farmington Elks Lodge #2430 finished off the past year with a  New Year’s dance at the lodge in West Farmington.

The evening included an annual visitation from the Maine Elks Association President Don Piper and his wife, Susan, said Les Brown, exalted ruler of the local lodge. 

Following a dinner at Calzolaio Pasta Company in Wilton, the dance was held and included an 11th hour toast in memory of Elks who have passed on, he said.  

Prior to midnight, pizza, donated by Farmington House of Pizza and Steve’s Market in Wilton, was served.

About 100 people attended, he said. Proceeds will help support the several charities supported by the lodge.

A New Year’s morning breakfast for the State President and officers was held at Ray-Ray’s in Wilton, courtesy of Claris Ranger, Brown said.

The Lodge was involved in several events leading up to the new year.

Lodge #2430 hosted an annual children’s Christmas party on Dec. 20 for Elk members children and grandchildren. Over 20 children came to see Santa, receive gifts and enjoy pizzas donated by Shawn Riggs of the Dugout.

The Elks’ Santa also visited and presented gifts to the residents of Harris House, Pinewood Terrace and at a LEAP Christmas party.

Another annual event sponsored by the Lodge on Dec. 5 was the National Hoop Shoot in Dearborn Gym at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Eight children participated. Four of them, June Clark of Stratton, Trevor Crogan of Vienna, Kaylee Knight of Chesterville and Justin Dill of Chesterville will compete in the District Hoop Shoot in Madison on Jan. 10. Winners there will advance to Bangor for the state final, Lou Webster, Hoop Shoot director, wrote in the lodge newsletter.

This fall, the lodge held a prime rib dinner for members who were veterans on Nov. 11, Brown said.

The 9th annual Don Barker Horseshoe Tournament was held on Oct. 9. Winners were Dick Smith and Bob Boyker who took first place and George Barker and Randy Barker took second place.

The Lodge also held a Halloween party for LEAP clients in October with a grant from the Grand Lodge.

[email protected]