The
Shriners, or
Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, are an Order appendant to
Freemasonry. They are responsible for the creation of the Shriners Hospitals for Children which provide orthopaedic, burn, or spinal cord injury treatment for children without charge. They also run the Shrine Circus, which raises money for the Shriners Hospitals.
The Shriners often participate in local parades riding comedy versions of cars and motorcycles. They are recognizable by their elaborate fezes[?].
Some famous Shriners include:
http://www.shrinershq.org
http://www.shrine-circus.com/show.htm