Last year was the first time the Eagles hosted the annual Polar Express Experience.
The local Fraternal Order of Eagles Club is busy with holiday events that support and support the community as as whole.
The Eagles hosted a Turkey Trot Poker Walk Thanksgiving weekend. According to event organizers Dan Walsh and Kel Siller, the Eagles have hosted the holiday Poker Walk for approximately 10 years and have anywhere between 25 and 60 participants yearly. The buy in is $10 a hand with a $30 minimum. It is a five-hour event that culminates with a chili and cornbread dinner for an added fee. The walk is not just fun and games as it doubles as a fundraising event for local organizations and charities.
Walsh and Siller explained more about how their donations work, saying, "The members decide where we want to distribute the money depending on how much we raise. We host events throughout the year, including another poker walk Easter weekend, where part of the proceeds go towards our general charity account."
Some of the local organizations the Eagles have donated to include Expedition Academy, Toys for Tots, Cowboys Against Cancer, Make-a-Wish, the School Resource Officer program. They recently donated $500 to the Sweetwater County Food Bank for the purchase of turkeys, and will present another $500 check to The Radio Network this week to support the Coats for Kids program.
Siller stressed the importance of the downtown businesses and bar owners cooperating and working with them for the poker walk.
"It is a four-block walk to the local downtown bars," she said. "We could not host these poker walks without the support of the bar owners. Many offer drink specials and some even host secondary events like raffles to enhance our event."
Walsh added that he would like to see more local participation at their events.
"I don't think a lot of people know that we host events that the community can participate in," he said. "You don't have to be a member of the Eagles to participate. I'd like to see more participation and invite everyone in our community to come check out all the numerous events we host throughout the year."
Examples of events that the Eagles host for the community include dinner and karaoke every Friday, Bingo at 2 p.m. most Sundays, and several family-friendly events, including an upcoming showing of the Christmas film "The Polar Express" on Saturday, December 14 at 1 p.m.
The Polar Express Experience is hosted by the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary. This is the second year the Eagles has hosted the event, and this year it is sponsored by Genesis Alkali. The celebration-style occasion includes photo backdrops, hot chocolate, a commemorative ticket and a goodie bag, along with the screening of the film. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance. Participants are encouraged to wear their most festive pajamas. The event is $5 per child. The Eagles Club also asks that at least one adult, or up to two adults, accompany children that come. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be purchased by stopping by the Eagles during business hours.
Selena McCord, who helped to create The Polar Express Experience, said the event was a success last year and wanted to thank Genesis Alkali for co-sponsoring this year.
"It is important to the Eagles Organization to provide community-wide experiences, and keeping these events affordable is also important," she said. "We could not host The Polar Express Experience for only $5 per child without the support and sponsorship from Genesis Alkali."
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