Legion Week in the lakecity starts today, Friday June 19, and runs right through Stampede with lots of the Branch 139’s traditional hospitality.
The celebrations start this Friday, June 19 with a celebratory dinner to which all veterans are invited to enjoy free of charge whether they are legion members or not, says legion member Joyce Norberg.
The dinner starts at 6 p.m. and will be pork loin roast with all the trimmings, Norberg says.
For guests and non-veterans the dinner is $10.
Music with the Just Steelin’ band will follow the dinner.
All week and next weekend during Stampede Branch 139 will have special displays set up to acknowledge veterans and provide information about how the legion helps veterans and their dependents when they are in need.
During Stampede weekend June 26 to 29 the legion will be open for breakfast, lunches and dinners. Breakfast will be available from 7 to 11 a.m. all four mornings of Stampede.
Steak dinners will be available on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Sunday dinner is a special evening for seniors offering a beef dip, and music by the Old Time Fiddlers from 4 to 8 p.m.
Norberg says seniors will be coming from the Seniors Village and Deni House.
All year Branch 139 provides entertainment and a place for camaraderie for veterans and their friends. Members also work to raise funds to help veterans and their families and for special projects such as donating for hospital equipment.
Last year she says the Branch 139 50/50 ticket sales and meat draws raised $11,740. which is given to charitable organizations such as youth groups, Williams Lake Pipe Band, Dry Grad and a variety of organizations in need, Norberg says.
The annual poppy campaign in November raised another $25,000 which is held in trust to help veterans in need and their families, for veteran emergencies and for special projects such as donating to a hospital equipment campaign.
All year long the legion members provide a place for members and their friends to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Special events are planned along the way.
The third Thursday of each month there is a ladies’ luncheon. This month the event is next week on June 24. In celebration of Legion Week the Old Time Fiddlers will be playing.
Mid-month, the legion host a dinner and dance for members and guests.
Thursdays are spaghetti nights. And Fridays are traditionally steak nights.
Various community groups are welcome to rent out the basement hall which is also currently used by the Williams Lake Pipe Band and Army Cadets for their activities and practices.
“It is the right size for anniversary celebrations plus small weddings,” Norberg says.
Branch 139 also has a leased property on Felker Lake which the organization rents for local families and out-of-town guests.