Carthage Elks Lodge wins state ritual crown for second year in a row

CARTHAGE, NY — The officers of Carthage Elks Lodge #1762 attended the New York State Elks Convention in Buffalo over the weekend with one goal in mind, to repeat as New York State champions.

At Saturday night’s convention closing ceremony, it was announced that Carthage was victorious, beating the field for the state crown.

This is the second straight year that the lodge has been named the best ritual team in the state.

The Lodge earned the right to compete at this year’s state contest by overcoming Lowville Elks Lodge #1605 at the district level held in February. The team then went to compete on Friday May 17 th with the results revealed on Saturday Night; the top three teams being Waterviliet Lodge with a score of 93.8307, Wolcott Lodge finished with 96.6477, and Carthage Lodge taking the win with a score of 96.9129.

Four Officers received All-Star Awards for finishing first in their chair: Exalted Ruler Michael Higman, Esteemed Leading Knight Robert Sligar, Esteemed Lecturing Knight Kody Heukrath, and Inner Guard Brian Scott. Three Officers received recognition for second place finishes: Lodge Esquire Tyler Clemons, Esteemed Loyal Knight Elizabeth Gamble, and Chaplain Paul Clarke. Jeremy Thesier received the All-Star Candidate award and Brian Scott received the All-Star Coach award in the contest. The team will now advance to the National Ritual Competition held at the National Elks Convention June 30th through July 3rd in St. Louis, Missouri.

Fundraising efforts for our excursion to National Convention will include a Chicken BBQ on June 9th and a Brisket dinner on June 23 rd along with other additional fundraising activities.