Empty nesters spend Independence Day at the Elks

It was a sell-out crowd Saturday.

All it took was some good food, karaoke and a full-service bar.

The Elk's Lodge 2582 in Brooksville hosted a Fourth of July event. Before the first hour was over, all 100 tickets were purchased, mostly from members who packed the lounge.

"They come to just enjoy the club and the benefits we have here," said Chairwoman Deborah Magill. "There's good food, good camaraderie ... and good fun."

The Elks served chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, coleslaw and potato salad and fruit salad.

"For 7 bucks you can't beat it," said Magill.

Anthony Vuolo and his wife, Jackie, have three children, but they live out of town - from Virginia Beach, Va., to Jacksonville.

The days of family barbecues are few and far between. They wished to be with friends at the Elks for its picnic, rather than cook out for two.

"Years ago, we always had a gang," said Jackie Vuolo. "That's why we're here."

Nick Vukcevic is a 34-year member of the Elks, but he and his wife moved to Brooksville in February.

Their situation is the same as that of the Vuolos.

They have a son in Clearwater and a daughter in the U.S. Navy. They had an empty nest at home and decided to spend Independence Day with their newest friends.

"It gives us a purpose," Vukcevic said.

"This is a great Fourth of July get together, especially for people who are new to the area," he said. "They're very social here."

The event also was open to the public.

Jim Malone, of Spring Hill, was seated a few tables away from the karaoke machine. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, but because it's in the early stages, he still goes to Elks events with his wife, who is an active member.

"There are great people here and we have a lot of functions to go to," he said. "We enjoy it a lot."