Masonic Celebration canceled this year; treasure hunt still a go

Published 2:41 pm Friday, May 29, 2020

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Officials announced Friday that Florala’s annual 24th of June Masonic Celebration has been canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to the current state-mandated restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19 and continuing uncertainty surrounding future mandates, we cannot in good consciousness of community health move forward with our beloved annual celebration The celebration is the epitome of togetherness in our community with which is not safe at this time. Please know that this decision was not taken lightly and has come after months of discussion. Your safety matters most. After all, you are what makes the celebration and if there is no you, there is no celebration. The committee is hopeful that an event in honor of this important tradition be held in later in the year.”

Organizers said on social media that “The Masonic Lodge will perform the work needed for the Masonic Celebration to be able to continue its tradition and title as the only consecutive annual Masonic Celebration in the world. We had hoped that year 150 would be one to remember and in a sense it will, just not how we hoped it would.”

The Masonic King and Queen will be announced soon and have a private crowning.

Good news, the treasure hunt will begin June 3. Organizers will post clues on Facebook on the event’s

A map of areas to search will be provided.

There will be no other events.

“We, as the committee, know that this news will cause upset and great sadness to all those who love this tradition,” the post said.