Yes, it is a shame that something like this can happen after all these years. Due to budget retraints by the California and the U.S. Governments, our twelve middle schools in the Antelope Valley could not participate in this annual event. The purpose to have this annual event was to give these students an opportunity to compete between the schools. Otherwise they wouldn't have had this oppotunity to compete among themselves. The schools and children always looked forward to participate every year. Mainly it has encompassed all track events from the 100 meter dash, up to the 1,000 meter relay and run. It included in-field events of the high jump, run and jump, and shot-put. This has always been open to all our Antelope Valley Middle Schools for both Girls and Boys. More than 40 volunteers from the Lodge gladly give up the second Saturday of May to put this event on every year. In addition, the Ladies of Lancaster Emblem Club #76 traditionally held the opening flag ceremony. Our own Naval Sea Cadets(see our links at left) and others have gladly volunteered to help. It appears that our public and independent schools are losing interest in participating in our Elk Events, such as Soccer and Hoop Shoot. "It's a Shame!! Elks do Care - Elks do Share