When my Mom was driving we saw the building after we passed it. We had to turn around and go back. Mom and I helped Worthy Matron-Elect, Vallery, with the all the things she had to carry in for the Installation. After we helped her sit that stuff down, I helped put the decorations out. Then when I came to the kitchen, she had to show my Mom and I all the stuff we might need to help get the food out for the reception. I washed lots of serving spoons and dishes so we could use them.

The Installation was different from Rainbow and they had a lot of chairs (17) because they had a lot of people they were going to install. When Vallery had been installed she said that she was focusing on youth that is why her colors were all of the rainbows colors. Mom Janae sang several songs beautifully during the Installation. Worthy Matron Vallery was presented with her daughter’s (Danielle, Past Honored Queen, Past Worthy Advisor)  gavel that had all the Rainbow ribbons on it by her son, (Nick, Past Master Counselor) .  Both Mallory and I were introduced to the group and represented Ashburn Assembly #11.

After we were introduced, we left with Mom to help set up for the reception. Mallory and I made tea and lemonade and unwrapped all the food. Mallory cut the cake and I gave it to the ladies. We helped take food to the tables while Mom made coffee. We made sure all the food was put out and made sure it was kept full. There was a lot of food.

Before leaving, Worthy Matron Vallery gave Mallory and I a box which contained four angels. Mallory got two and I got two so it would be fair. I am looking forward to helping them out next time.

Submitted By

Samantha,
Sister of Hope
Ashburn Assembly #11

I was very excited that Katie’s Masquerade Ball did not get cancelled like the Sweethearts Dance. I had never been to a Masquerade Ball and I had gotten a new mask and everything. I was so excited and kept wanting to get there all day. It started with an adventure of my Dad driving me to the Ball. My Mom also went, but didn’t drive. It was neat, but kind of scary with all the side streets we went up and down. It was like finding a diamond in the middle of a large maze.

There in the middle of all these side streets was a huge beautiful building, the beautiful Scottish Rite Temple in Washington, DC. We found a parking spot behind the building and headed in to the fun. There were lots of girls from all over. The decorations were beautiful masks and beads. The music was playing and the deejay was a Mason from my Dad’s Lodge and also a member of my Dad’s Kena Klown group. It was different seeing him deejay versus clowning around.

There were more girls than boys, which seems to be normal. We had so much fun dancing the night away. I was surprised that I knew lots of the girls there. I did spend most of the night with the Fairfax Rainbow girls (Katie, Rachel, and Root) and out on the dance floor. I had fun learning some of the dances I didn’t know. There was also so much good food. There was something for everyone.

We helped Katie and her family clean up and put the tables back before leaving. I was really tired on the way home, but I look forward to next dance.

Submitted by

Samantha,
Sister of Hope
Ashburn Assembly #11

The car ride there was very long and tiring. We left right after I came home from school. We got to the hotel around 10:00 pm. It was late, but there were lots of clowns in the Clown Room. There was a lot of food and drinks too! I enjoyed the cookies and snacks for dessert. The door had a wreath made out of balloons. It was cool and easy to find when walking down the hall. Our room was right around the corner so we were close to it.

Saturday morning we had to get up early, eat and go to the place where the circus was being held. It was funny because all the clowns came down to the lobby in their outfits and Mom and I were already waiting for them. The ladies at the desk laughed at them.

The circus was very fun! I got to see the show three times! The clowns were very funny and I spent a lot of time with the clowns. My Dad was a clown for the first time at this event. My Dad at first looked very funny, so I laughed so hard because he looked funny. One of the clowns taught me how to make a tulip out of a balloon. I showed him how to make a few things out of beads as a trade.  The clowns were even part of the show with the Chicago Boyz. The Chicago Boyz used a trampoline to jump over a group of clowns for each show and my Dad was one of the clowns that they jumped over.

There was a motorcycle trick at the end of the first performance, but one of the riders got hurt badly and was taken to the hospital. I was so sad because I saw him and I could not do anything to help. I felt sad that his little son was there watching as he was being helped. The cannon was blocking most of the area where the accident happened so not a lot of people watching saw the accident. As soon as the performers saw he was hurt, they got everyone out of there. The lights were off until everyone left.  I hope he gets better, my prayers for him and his family.

I met lots of people during the shows also. I tried to help a little girl sitting in front of us for one show when her butterfly light broke. The circus wouldn’t exchange her light, but I was able to help fix it so she could at least have the butterfly. Her Mom was happy and so was she.

It was a long weekend when all was said and done, but I now can say I saw my first Circus, road a camel and an elephant. I also got to swing on a practice swing for up in the air, but it was lower to the ground. I also got the chance to meet the Chicago Boyz in person and get their autographs. I got to see so many clowns and get their autographs as well. I am glad I got to spend the weekend at such an event.

I look forward to more Shriner’s Circus adventures with the Klowns from Kena! Roanoke see you next year for sure, if at all possible!

Sincerely,

Samantha
Ashburn Assembly #11