Shriners convention in Youngstown

The Mahoning Valley has been selected to be the host city for the Great Lakes Shrine Association Convention Wednesday through Friday.

The regional event is expected to draw more than 1,500 attendees.

Michael G. Severe, Imperial Potentate of Shriners International, will attend and address the gathering. Severe, of Erie, Col., is serving his 10th term as a member of the Shriners International and Shriners Hospitals for Children boards of directors.

Alan D. York, president of Al Koran Shriners and the Great Lakes Shrine Association, as well as officers and members of the Youngstown Shrine Club, will explain the organization’s history and its public events and schedule of events for the convention.

Area residents will be invited to a number of events and competitions, including the clown competitions at Holiday Inn Boardman, mounted horsemen events at Canfield Fairgrounds, motorcycle and motor cart competitions at the former Value City parking lot in Boardman, and a grand parade in North Lima.

The Shriners are known worldwide for their work with Shrine Hospitals for children and a wide range of community service programs. Crowds enjoy events such as the Shrine Circus, motorcades, parades and clown shows.