South Dakota State Elks Association

07/08/2026

Congratulations to Eric Taylor and David Ruth for being sworn in as the State of South Dakota District Deputies!!

07/08/2026

Congratulations South Dakota for receiving 2 awards for membership gains. Lets keep it going.

07/06/2026

South Dakota at Grand Lodge in Chicago!!

07/06/2026

Come see us! 🤠

06/27/2026

Let’s got to Chicago!

MEDIA ALERT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elks National Convention Comes to Chicago, July 4–July 8
One of America’s Largest Fraternal Organizations Gathers for 161st Annual Session

CHICAGO, IL — More than 8,000 delegates, members, and guests representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the Panama Canal Area will gather in Chicago from Saturday, July 4, through Wednesday, July 8, 2026, for the 161st National Convention of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. With nearly 800,000 members nationwide, the Elks remain one of America's largest patriotic and charitable organizations, dedicated to serving veterans, supporting youth, strengthening communities, and promoting patriotism and American values.

Convention headquarters will be located at the Hilton Chicago, while daily business sessions, educational seminars, exhibits, and special events will take place at McCormick Place Convention Center. Thousands of attendees are expected to contribute significantly to Chicago's hospitality, tourism, and business sectors during one of the city's major summer conventions. The highlight of the convention is the celebration of a historic milestone on July 4th. The Elks will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Elks National Memorial and Headquarters Building in Chicago, one of the organization's most significant landmarks and symbols of patriotism.

Founded in 1868, the Elks have contributed more than $15 billion in charitable support throughout their history. In the past year alone, Elks members provided more than $545 million in combined charitable giving, volunteer service, and in-kind contributions benefiting veterans, students, first responders, disaster relief efforts, and communities across America.

Members of the media interested in covering the convention, conducting interviews, or obtaining additional information are encouraged to contact:

Rick Gathen Director, Membership & Marketing Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (862) 324-2412 [email protected]

For additional information about the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the 2026 National Convention, please visit the organization's official website Elks.org.

06/19/2026

Today’s

06/18/2026

Pierre Lodge celebrated Flag Day with the Capital City Band.

06/18/2026

Deadwood Lodge #508 performed their Flag Day Ceremony at Ferguson Field before the historic baseball game between Deadwood and Lead. Share your Flag Day pics!

06/02/2026

MEDIA ALERT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elks Lodges Nationwide to Celebrate Flag Day

Chicago, IL – June 14, 2026 – As the nation celebrates America 250, thousands of Americans will gather at Elks Lodges across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Panama Canal Zone to honor Flag Day, continuing one of the country’s oldest and most distinguished patriotic traditions.

Long before Flag Day became an official federal observance, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was honoring the American flag. In 1908, the Elks Grand Lodge formally established June 14 as Flag Day, making the Elks the only fraternal organization in the nation that mandates an annual formal Flag Day ceremony in every Lodge.

The Elks’ unwavering commitment to patriotism helped elevate Flag Day into the national spotlight. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949, President Harry S. Truman—an Elks member from Independence, Missouri—signed legislation permanently recognizing it as a national observance.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Elks continue to stand among the nation’s leading forces for patriotism, charity, and community service. For 158 years, Elks members have strengthened communities and supported the nation through service and generosity, contributing more than $15 billion in charitable donations nationwide.

In 2025 alone, Elks members donated an estimated $550 million in cash, goods, and volunteer service supporting veterans, youth programs, scholarships, food initiatives, and critical local community needs.

With 1,841 Lodges and 800,000 members nationwide, the Elks continue to promote American values, civic pride, and love of country in communities large and small.

“During America’s 250th anniversary year, Flag Day carries even greater meaning,” said Elks officials. “It is a celebration of our nation’s history, our freedoms, and the enduring unity symbolized by the American flag.”

Communities are encouraged to attend local Elks Flag Day ceremonies and experience a patriotic tradition that has inspired generations of Americans for more than a century.

Website: www.elks.org
Membership Information: join.elks.org

05/12/2026

The South Dakota State Elks Association Spring Workshop was held in Huron on May 1st & 2nd. 2026-27 State Association Officers were sworn in by Harlan Huetson.