Mahoning County serves as site for Shriners confab

BOARDMAN — Some drivers on U.S. Route 224 did a double-take this morning as they saw motorcycles and mini-Corvettes weaving in and out of orange cones in the former Value City parking lot.

The display was part of the Great Lakes Shrine Association Convention in the Mahoning Valley this week. About 3,000 Shriners from six states and Canada traveled to Boardman, where most of the activities were planned.

“Shriners are all about helping kids and having fun,” said Al York, president of the Great Lakes Shrine Association.

Shriners are known for the 22 hospitals that they support in North America. Those hospitals provide free care to children up to age 18 who need orthopedic or burn care. The closest Shriner-supported hospitals are in Erie, Pa., and Cincinnati.

Shriners also are known for the distinctive red fez perched on their heads. The Shriners came about when a group of Freemasons decided to launch a new fraternity based on fun and fellowship in 1872. The only requirement to be a Shriner is to be a master Mason.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com