ANNUAL ELK EVENTS:
Here you will find information about events held each year at the lodge. These events are listed in order by date, starting in January and ending in December.
Hoop Shoot
A free throw competition for boys and girls ages 8 through 13. This event builds self-confidence for children in our community who may not have the opportunity to participate in organized sporting events. More than 2.5 million youth, nationwide, participate in the event each year. Local schools are contacted to hold free throw competitions and the winners are invited to participate in the Local Tournament hosted by Springfield Lodge 158. Beginning at local Elks Lodges, contestants advance through local, district, state, regional and national competitions.
Mid-Winter State Elks Convention
The Mid-Winter State Elks Convention is held at the Wyndham City Centre in Springfield. The convention runs Friday through Sunday and is attended by Lodge members from across the State. Meetings, workshops, entertainment and a formal dinner are among events held during the convention. This event is always a hit because the Grand Exalted Ruler is in attendance. Come and meet him and the first lady to hear about Elkdom. The convention is a great opportunity to gather new ideas and meet other Elk members from across the State. This convention hosts a visit from the Grand Exalted Ruler of Elkdom.
ER Roast
Do you remember the Dean Martin Roasts??? Springfield Lodge 158 has carried on that tradition and holds and an annual ER Roast to give Lodge members an opportunity to poke fun, in a good natured way, at the outgoing ER. The laughter, the characters and the humorous speeches make it an event that you will want to attend. A dinner is held prior to the actual Roast and it is an opportunity to present awards or recognize other Elk members for their accomplishments over the past year. Watch your Elk-O-Gram for the next date.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Party
Come join in the festivities of one of the United States most treasured holidays. You can help carry our glorious Garrison flag in the Springfield, IL St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Springfield Lodge 158 has an annual party held the Friday before the parade date that includes traditional corned beef and cabbage and Irish music. This party has become a favorite of the Springfield Lodge.
Officer Installation
Held the last Saturday in March, this ceremony marks the transition from one lodge year to another. This event is open to all Elks as well as their families and invited guests.
Cash Bash
An annual fundraising event to help support the many local charities sponsored by Springfield Elks Lodge 158.
Easter Bunny Visit
Springfield Elks Lodge 158 representatives and the “Easter Bunny” visit local area children in need and nursing home residents to celebrate the Easter holiday by presenting them with Easter Eggs and stuffed toys. The program has garnered a positive response and the children and residents look forward to the “Easter Bunny” visit every year on Good Friday. This is an event that shows the community that “Elks Care, Elks Share”.
Spring State Elks Convention
The Spring State Elks Convention is held at the Wyndham City Centre in Springfield. The convention runs Friday through Sunday and is attended by Lodge members from across the State. Meetings, workshops, entertainment and a formal dinner are among events held during the convention. This event is special because the IEA holds a State-wide Memorial Service, and the New IEA officers are installed. This convention is a great opportunity to share ideas gathered during the Mid-Winter Convention and prepare for the National Convention
Pool Opening
The Springfield Elks Lodge 158 pool opens Memorial Day weekend. Pool membership applications and pool rules can be found in the Elk-O-Gram or by calling the Lodge office at 217-529-0158.
Flag Day
Lodges across the country hold a flag day ceremony every year in June to honor our flag and to remember those who have defended it. This is a moving service that is open to the community to observe. During this ceremony the Elks have also honored the families of those who gave the last full measure of devotion for their country.
Eagle Scouts’ Awards Ceremony
The Scout Eagle Awards Ceremony is held annually in Springfield, IL to recognize young scouts who have demonstrated achievements in community enhancement and outreach. Springfield Elks Lodge 158 awards each Eagle Scout recipient with an American Flag and a certificate of achievement.
Grand Lodge Convention
The Grand Lodge Convention, also referred to as the National Convention, provides Elks representatives with the opportunity to attend workshops, enjoy entertainment, and attend a formal dinner with the Grand Exalted Ruler. Elks also have the opportunity to vote on proposed resolutions, attend installation of Grand Lodge Elk officers, and the Grand Exalted Ruler. The Grand Lodge Convention location changes every year, so it allows members to visit other states in America.
- 2025 – June 29th through July 2nd in Kansas City, Missouri
- 2026 – July 5th through July 8th in Chicago, Illinois
End of Summer Party
This event is held on Saturday of the Labor Day weekend. All are welcome!
Pool Closing
Saturday of the Labor Day weekend is the last day for Lodge pool members to enjoy the pool.
Fall State Elks Convention
The Fall State Elks Convention is held at the Wyndham City Centre in Springfield. The convention runs Friday through Sunday and is attended by Lodge members from across the State. Meetings, workshops, entertainment and a formal dinner are among events held during the convention. This convention is a great opportunity to talk to fellow Elks members about their experience at Grand Lodge and discuss upcoming changes for the next year.
Veterans Day Lunch
We use this day in November to honor those brave men and women who have served our country. We bring shut in veterans from around the state to enjoy a lunch and a speaker. The Elks stand by the mantra that where there is a veteran, the Elks will never forget.
Eddy Fisher Memorial Christmas Basket Program
This is an annual program Springfield Elks Lodge 158 takes great pride in. Volunteers arrive at the Lodge by 9:00 am to begin to fill the baskets being provided to families in need during the Christmas season. These families are sponsored by an Elk member. Breakfast is provided to the volunteers and they can partake in a “special” eggnog to add to their Christmas spirit. Of course the children who volunteer have their own eggnog to get them in the spirit!
Elks Memorial Service
This service is held by every Elks Lodge in the nation on the first Sunday in December. Once a member of our order, you are never forgotten and never forsaken. We use this day to honor and cherish the memories of those Elks who have passed to realms on high during the past year. This is one of the most moving ceremonies in all of Elkdom and we encourage all Elks and their families to attend at least once.