The Sudan Shriners will have a parade on Saturday

Coble Wilson, Potentate of Sudan Shriners 2021. Kristy Bock / Neuse News

The Sudan Shriners will host their annual Spring Ceremonial in Kinston with two days of events including a parade at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 15, 2021, that will go from East Street and Caswell Street, north on Queen Street, and end at Lenoir Ave.

“We’re excited to get back to Kinston. We’re excited to get out period,” said Coble Wilson, Potentate of Sudan Shriners 2021.

The anticipated parade will have 40 units including clowns, cars, walking units, flags, and pirates. There will be a little bit for everyone.

“We typically do three ceremonials a year. We get together, have a parade, and we make new candidates. It kind of moves all over Eastern North Carolina,” said Wilson.

The Shriners are preparing for about 500 people for lunch on Saturday, with many of them booked in local hotels. Historically, the Shriner’s events have brought over 1000 people to Kinston.

“This is the first time we’ve been able to get together since January of 2020,” said Wilson.

There will be a party for all members with music and fellowship Friday night. The event is expected to draw crowds from out of town which could potentially boost the local economy.

“This is the first time we’ve had a ceremonial in Kinston since 2016,” said Wilson.

Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth with nearly 200 temples (chapters) in several countries and thousands of clubs around the world, per their website. Shriners International also supports Shriners Hospitals for Children, a health system of 22 locations.