AMVETS to hold Family Fun Day
AMVETS Post 50 has for quite some time been working to make improvements on its aging building at 2705 Garden St., on the corner of Laurel Street.
On Sunday, as a way to raise funds for further improvements, the group will hold a Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., featuring all sorts of activities for people of all ages.
Nicole Torta and Tom Deere, commander of the AMVETS post, said they wanted to put on something that was good for the community and bring in some money to help the post.
“We’re a real poor post. The veterans we have are regulars and they’d be lost without this place. It’s like family to them,” Torta said. “They’ve been here for 30 years. Some of the originals still come in, have a beer and say hello.”
The post was originally across the street where the convenience store is now located. The current site was donated to the group in 1987 and dedicated to Bill Rich.
The post currently has about 150 members, and the idea is to bring the aging building back to near its original luster.
“You name it, it needs to be upgraded,” Deere said. “The building was built in the 1960s and we need to get the younger veterans. To do that, we have to spruce it up a little bit.”
“We have foundation issues. We just got a concrete floor donated because the all-wood floor was sinking. The kitchen floor is in need of concrete,” Deere said, who has done the work as he is a master carpenter by trade.
The post has already spent thousands to update the electric and replace the central air, and hopes to raise at least $5,000 for further work.
For much of the day Sunday, it will be about the kids. There will be bounce houses, carnival games, a dunk tank and several food trucks featuring any kind of cookout food you desire.
After the sun goes down, it’s the adults turn, with a band outside and karaoke inside. There will also be a horseshoe tournament, cornhole, raffles, a Chinese auction, bonfire and door prizes.
Deere said that beside raising money, they also hope to bring in new members for the veterans, sons and auxiliary, as the current group, dedicated as they are, is also aging.
“This is a family place. You can come in and feel safe. It’s like Cheers and everybody knows your name,” Torta said.
The cost is $5 for non-members and is open to the public. For more information, call 997-1148.