By Dave McLeod and Mike Klinger
Photos by Mike Klinger
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks #2444 Elks participated in the City of Lake Forest July 4th Parade “Let Freedom Ring” for the seventh year. Over eighty members and guests gathered in the Summer heat to represent the local Saddleback Valley area Lodge. As the Elks began to line-up and prepare for the start, event promoters mentioned to Elks event Chairman and Lecturing Knight, Dave McLeod PER, that Mission Viejo Elks had the largest participation in the Lake Forest Parade this year. “I would like to thank the City of Lake Forest for supporting the community with the parade every year. The Elks look forward to being involved each year and seeing the thousands and thousands of families lining the streets,” stated Past Lodge President, McLeod.
Past Exalted Ruler, Dave McLeod, hoists the Mission Viejo Elks Banner atop “Big John” 
Elks veterans, members, and friends began to show-up at 8.30 am to decorate the Elks float, prepare the vehicles that veterans would ride in and to make sure that “Big John”, the antique firetruck was buffed, shiny and ready to go.
Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Harvey Boelts, with his firetruck Big John
The Elks sponsored Boy Scouts from Troop 603 led the precession carrying the Elks Lodge banner and the American Flag. Past District Deputy Harvey Boelts, retired Laguna Beach Fire Captain, drove the firetruck “Big John”, Leading Knight Mike Klinger towed a trailer decorated with flags and streamers with Elk members sitting atop hay bales and the Mayor of Mission Viejo, Wendy Bucknum, an Elks member, sported herself on top of lodge Trustee Basia Bills Corvette.
Mission Viejo Elks had the largest presence in the parade
Rounding out the Elks parade entry were vehicles carrying veterans and members followed by the chase car driven by Elk Stephanie Bongartz of Bongo Ink who donated all the parade decorations, drinking water and light snacks that were needed on a hot day.
Scout Troop 603 Leading the way
Parade over, and the Elks members retreated to the comfort of the Elks Lodge and an afternoon BBQ for members and guests. The Lodge patio was colorfully decorated in red white and blue honoring our country’s birthday. Members had a hard time choosing between the comforts of the air conditioned Lodge building and the fun on the backyard patio where the Rock of Ages Band performed.
Mayor Wendy Bucknum. Trustee Basia Bills and Event Chairman Dave McLeod PER
Elks Back Yard BBQ
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 48 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 10 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 149-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949-830-3557.
Andy Costello
Elks Grand Lodge Area 7
Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman
