This Saturday, Yantis Masonic Lodge #382 will once again offer folks a chance to pit their shooting skills against those of others in a fun competition for a chance to win Thanksgiving turkeys. Even better, the fun East Texas tradition will raise money for operating expenses for the lodge as well as charities in Yantis and the East Texas area.
The 19th Annual Yantis Masonic Lodge Turkey Shoot will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, on the Johnny Stephens farm east of Yantis, the original site for the contest.
The competitive shoot will continue throughout the day and offers three ways to win a turkey: shooting events include skeet, a .22-caliber rifle and pistol competitions. Rifle and shotgun shells are furnished, but those entering the pistol shoot-off should bring their own shells. The cost to play will be $3 per round in each event. A turkey limit will be enacted per individual to ensure as many individuals as possible have a chance to go home with a bird for the holiday.
“The limit will be three turkeys, maybe more depending on how many come,” notes Jimmy Rogers, Master of the Lodge.
If competitive shooting in the great outdoors triggers the need for grub, the Masons promise they and their wives will have prepared plenty of mouth-watering food and homemade desserts. Generally, a “suggested donation” is asked to sample the delicious edibles, but the Lodge will thankfully accept any amount offered for the food items.
“This year we are having stew, chili, cold drinks and coffee, and also desserts. There will be a charge for each,” Rogers said.
Founded in June 1873 in Reilly Springs, Yantis Lodge #382 is a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas, which annually contributes to the support of both state and national Masonic charities.
Some of the more notable of those state and national charities have included the Masonic Home for widows and orphans, the Shriners Burn Centers and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Locally, Yantis Lodge #382 gives two to three scholarships annually to Yantis High School seniors, and sponsors youth programs such as “Together Against Drugs and “Take Time to Read.” They’ve also helped provide financial assistance to needy families with children at Christmas time.
Funds from this year’s turkey shoot will go toward repair of the Lodge. The Lodge also held a fish fry earlier in the year and will be doing a raffle for scholarships this year, too, according to Rogers.
To find the Stephens farm where all the fun will be taking place Saturday, take FM 2966 east in Yantis; travel 1.3 miles to County Road 1840. Turn right and continue for another 0.6 mile.
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