On Saturday, June 5, the Knights of Columbus Council 2294 in Columbia will commemorate its 100th anniversary, and you're invited.

"This is a great opportunity for us to let everyone know who we are as Knights and what we do to support our families, our parishes and our community," said Stephen Nikolaus, grand knight. "At the same time, a 100th birthday calls for a big celebration, and that's why we're inviting people of all faiths to join us for a fun-filled afternoon."

The open house will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus' home on Fourth and Maple streets and will include remarks by Nikolaus as well as Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz, who will issue a proclamation declaring the day as Knights of Columbus Day in Columbia. Tours of the home will be offered, and free picnic food, including hot dogs, chips and beverages, will be provided. A bounce house will be available for children.

"The Knights are men of faith who are proud to support our community, our families and our church," Nikolaus said. "We invite the community to join us for a family-friendly celebration to commemorate 100 years of service to Columbia and learn more about what we do to support faith, family and religious freedom."

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded in 1882 by the Rev. Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Conn. There are more than 200 million members worldwide, including 350 members of the Columbia council. The Knights are dedicated to promoting and conducting educational, charitable, religious and social welfare works, as well as providing assistance to members and their families in need.

Locally, the Knights sponsor the Keep Christ in Christmas billboards on Route 462. They also host a free-throw shooting contest, support veterans at the Lebanon VA Medical Center and donate to community events and nonprofit organizations.

"We're always looking for like-minded Catholic men who want to take the next step in their faith journey," Nikolaus noted. "The goal of the Knights of Columbus is to help men and their families grow closer to Christ. We invite Catholic men who share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors and role models to join us as we walk our faith journey together."

Anyone interested in learning more about membership in the Knights of Columbus may visit http://www.kofc.org, come to the open house or contact Nikolaus at 717-989-0015 or kolby56@hotmail.com.