EL RIAD FIFE & DRUM

ll of the happy news the Fife’s have to report, it is completely overwhelmed by the sudden passing of brother Mark Wolfe on Feb. 24. Mark was a beloved, long-time Fife member and part of the legendary “twin towers” base drum duo with Murray Driggs. A celebration of life event will be planned for a later time. His Fife and Drum brothers share our very heartfelt condolences to his Lady Cheri and the entire Wolfe family.

Well, the cover of the last edition of the Cactus says it all about our big 25th anniversary Johnny Holm party. Johnny and 900 of his friends were in the building partying like never before...What a night! Congratulations to our officers and all the Fife members for an incredibly successful event. We also used this event platform to generate donations directly to Shriner’s Healthcare. This year we raised $7,500! Those backers are: Wayne & Karen Johnson, Streich Construction, Interstates Battery, Vern Eide, Prairie States Trucking, Roger’s Plumbing, Milliron Granite, Midwest Stone, Digit-All, and Benardo Sanchez Painting.

Following Johnny, Brad Streich and his merry band of foodies served 120 spaghetti dinners at Wednesday Bar. Brad generously donated his costs back to the Fife and

by Bruce Norton

ADrum. He then went on to host a float making party for an entry in this year’s St. Patty’s Day Parade (his idea also). What fun Fife fellowship this was! Played bag toss, and grilled burgers as well. Check out the article with the finished picture of the float. This time together reminds me of building our boat for the Dell Rapids boat races 10+ years ago. Darrell Griggs earned his “Admiral” nickname in spectacular fashion as he held a full salute across the finish line while being bombarded with water balloons.

Cory Gray and his Lady Jen hosted a rush party on Friday, February 24. Eight new member candidates attended with the evening being highly successful by any measure. This party generated four petitions with four more pending. Truly a great night of Fife fellowship! Given how well these types of gatherings turn out, I am sure we’ll be doing more.

The remainder of the time we spent devoted to our 19th Annual St. Patty’s Day Bash! So exciting we actually had a float in a parade thanks to Brad Streich. With a big beer pong tourney, the Khartum Pipes and Drum on hand, and ECLIPSE performing, we were in for a big day. Not to mention all the food and green beer. Can’t wait to show you pictures in our next Cactus!