July 4, 2014 marked the 238th anniversary of the Declaration of American Independence and the fourth consecutive Independence Day celebration hosted by Peerless Lodge No. 591 for the village of Crooksville. The celebration included a parade, car show, food and fun for the whole family and the customary fireworks show to cap off the day.
“From about 1997 to 2011 Crooksville didn’t have a fourth of July celebration,” explained Christopher Mohler, Past Master of Peerless and president of the village council. “Members of Peerless Lodge started talking about re-establishing our community festival in 2010, and our first one was held in 2011. We have a number of Brothers who are active in area government, community organizations and local churches, so we were able to coordinate the effort and to get the word out.”
Peerless Lodge is well known in Crooksville for its community involvement. The Lodge works to raise money to support various projects and groups through its Saturday morning breakfasts. Each fall, they raise money to support the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and each spring, for boys’ baseball and girls’ softball teams. Additionally, the Lodge has organized a Secret Santa program since 2009. The Brothers raise the money for the event, shop for all the gifts and wrap them. Families are also provided with a food basket when they pick up the gifts for their children.
