Shriners coming to Aylmer

Hundreds of Shriners and their spouses will be in Aylmer this weekend for Mocha Temple’s annual Spring Ceremonial.

Aylmer Shrine Club Past President Jeff Smith said this would be the first time his group, formed in 1995 and boasting over 100 members under current President Terry Ronald, had hosted the event.

Highlights would include an expected $250,000 to $300,000 in donations to Shriner hospitals for children in Montreal and Erie, Pennsylvania, and the induction of new members from up to 25 clubs from Southwestern Ontario. And, in their most public outing, over 50 Shriner parade units including four bands, clowns, “Love Bugs,” minibikes and Aylmer’s own Ghostbusters and Blues Car will take part in a procession along Talbot Street Saturday starting at 2 p.m.