By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The annual events to honor veterans at the Moose Lodge in Hutchinson are Saturday.
"We've been at it over 15 years," said John Miller with the Moose Lodge. "We can't have it on the day, because if it's like on a Wednesday or Thursday people have to work the next day, or a lot of people work that day. It's not a holiday for a lot of businesses. We do it on the closest Saturday, whether it's before or after, so that the most people can come and become part of this organization and part of the ceremony."
It's a full day of activities at 1st and Lorraine in Hutchinson.
"The doors will open at 10 a.m.," Miller said. "We have a dinner, it starts at 11. It's a turkey dinner, just like a Thanksgiving dinner and it's free. It's donation only. Then at 1 p.m., we try to seat the poker players and then have a short honor ceremony before we start playing at 1:30 p.m. We're not allowed to call it a poker tournament, we have to call it a fundraiser."
It does raise funds for multiple veterans organizations.
"We give to the two VFW's, there's one in South Hutch and the Hutch VFW, the American Legion and AMVETS," Miller said. "This year, everything that's left after we donate to those goes to Honor Flight."
Suggested donation to play is $25. There will also be a dance that night featuring the Triple Play Band. It will have a $10 cover charge, $6 for Moose Members.