Hot Dogs, Hugs, and Fezzy: Masons and Shriners Bring Joy to Jubilee

The sun shone brightly on April 15th, 2023, as the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex buzzed with the joyous energy of the annual “All Children Matter Jubilee.” Hosted by the Warren County Department of Social Services, this free event promised a day of fun, information, and delicious food for the whole family.

Among the many booths offering activities and resources, one stood out with its distinctive banner—the Unity Masonic Lodge No. 146. Proudly displaying their emblem, Brothers Will Bryan and Anthony Fisher manned the grill, expertly flipping hot dogs. Their fragrant wares wafted through the air, drawing happy children and grateful parents like moths to a flame.

Will Bryan grilling hot dogs for the All Children Matter Jubilee places a dog in its bun on April 15, 2023.
A box full of freshly grilled hot dogs cooked and wrapped by Masons stands ready at the All Children Matter Jubilee on April 15, 2023

For the Masons, participating in the Jubilee wasn’t just about providing lunch. It was about reaffirming their commitment to the community and its most vulnerable members, namely children. Their partnership with the event organizers, forged over several years of successful collaboration, ensured their booth’s prime location right next to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Will Bryan starts off early in the day grilling hot dogs for the All Children Matter Jubilee on April 15, 2023 at the Masonic canopy booth.
The local Masonic lodge has a canopy booth setup next to the Warren County Sheriff's Office at the All Children Matter Jubilee on April 15, 2023.
Will and Anthony offer hot dogs and chips in the Masonic booth at the All Children Matter Jubilee on April 15, 2023

But the Masons weren’t alone in spreading cheer. Adding to the festive atmosphere were the Kena Shriners from Manassas. Their vibrant truck and larger-than-life mascot, a cuddly Teddy Bear named “Fezzy,” adorned with their iconic fez with the gold letters spelling “Kena”on top immediately captivated the younger crowd. While the Shriners dished out their own culinary delights, Fezzy served as a giant huggable ambassador, reminding everyone about the Shriners’ dedication to children’s hospitals.

Kena Shriners Teddy Bear setup at the All Children Matter Jubilee on April 15, 2023
Kena Shriners van from Manassas Virginia appears at the All Children Matter Jubilee on April 15, 2023

The combined efforts of these service organizations, along with countless others, painted the Jubilee with the vibrant colors of community spirit. From the sizzling Masons’ grill to the Shriners’ playful mascot, every action served as a testament to the unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of children in Warren County. The aroma of grilling food mingled with the excited chatter of youngsters, creating a symphony of shared joy that resonated throughout the day.

As the sun dipped towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the jubilant scene, one thing was clear: the “All Children Matter Jubilee” was a resounding success. And amidst the happy faces and laughter-filled memories, the Unity Masonic Lodge and the Kena Shriners stood tall, their contributions woven into the very fabric of the event, a testament to the power of community in nurturing the well-being of its youngest members.