A great time was had by all in the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple Band. We loaded up the trailer, passed out the clothes pins & music, and played one great St. Patrick's parade together!!!
The weather was cooperating for a comfortably cool March Saturday and the mostly sunny sky really brought out a crowd out for the Rolla event.
Wow were we grateful for good weather!!!
There were people 7or 8 deep in places along the route. The onlookers loudly cheered as our snare drum player soloed to the crowd in between the musical numbers "In Heaven There Is No Beer" & the slower ballad "Irish Rose".
There are no words that I can muster to describe the fun and appreciation that so many had to see our band play proudly. I heard several times, both from young and old, "Go Shriners!!!" as we passed by.
I can also report, there was much laughter from the parade watchers during "In Heaven There Is No Beer" as the band comically sang...
In Heaven there is no beer. That's why we drink it here. And when we're all gone from here. Our friends will be drinking all the beer!!!
Being in the front of the parade this year, the band was able to unload and easily head over to the South Central Missouri Shrine Club when finished for an excellent lunch of Irish corn beef, cabbage and baby red potatoes.
I would like to personally thank these fellow Nobles for their excellent hospitality and wonderful culinary skills. (They served the best and most tender corn beef this fellow as ever had.)
The deserts were plentiful and the bar staff accommodating. The Rajah there, Richard Ferranto, was a wonderful host as were the other members of this club. We were greatly impressed and welcomed.
If you get the chance next year, I highly recommend visiting the South Central Missouri Shrine Club after the Rolla St. Patrick's parade for the friendship and fellowship that will follow. Contact (573) 364-0196 or (573) 364-7849 for more information about this incredible club and their scheduled activities.
Remember we will not have practice this coming Wednesday, March 18, because of the Circus. Please work at the Circus all that you can this week.
The next scheduled practice is April 1 at 7pm in the band room.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all from the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple Band!!!
