A community cookout at the local American Legion brought more than 100 people together for an evening of food, entertainment and fellowship, with organizers calling the event a major success.

The event came together in approximately three weeks after Legion members began discussing the idea. What started as a conversation quickly became a large community gathering, requiring volunteers to organize tickets, promote the event, prepare food and coordinate entertainment.

Vinny Kurtz, one of the organizers, said he became involved after fellow Legion member Bob approached him about the idea. “He came to me, he was like, ‘Hey, this is what we want to do. You want to call Bob?’ Like, sure,” Kurtz said, explaining that he enjoys organizing events and cooking for people. The short preparation period required significant cooperation among Legion members and community volunteers. “We went from an idea to this in three weeks,” one organizer said. “Teamwork is the key to everything.”

The Legion initially printed 80 tickets, but more than 100 people attended, including some who arrived after the original tickets had been sold. Organizers had prepared approximately 102 pounds of meat, along with several chickens, beans and about 20 pounds of potato salad. Even with the extra preparation, they eventually had to make a trip to a store for additional food. The potato salad was particularly popular, prompting organizers to say that they may need as much as 40 pounds next year. Chicken was also in high demand, leading organizers to plan for larger quantities at future events.

The cookout was described as the first large public roast held at the Legion in a long time. While similar events have taken place privately, organizers were pleased to bring the gathering to the wider community. Entertainment continued throughout the evening, with games, music and karaoke available for attendees. Darts were among the activities offered, while James Cleveland of Thunder Robs Entertainment in Tioga County provided musical entertainment. Cleveland had previously performed at the Legion, and organizers said his music helped keep the evening active before karaoke began.

Courtney Sullivan, a Legion board member and president of the Legion Auxiliary, said numerous community members contributed to making the event possible. Caroline Powers helped process the tickets, while board member Kurt Long assisted with promotional materials. Bob Housefield helped distribute flyers throughout the community, while other members and volunteers contributed in a variety of ways. The event comes as the Legion works to address broader challenges facing veterans’ organizations. One organizer said he travels throughout the Northeast and has seen American Legion posts struggling with declining participation. “I refuse to let that happen,” he said, explaining that he does not want the local Legion to become another post that disappears.

Although the Legion has a substantial membership, organizers acknowledged that relatively few members are active on a regular basis. “We need more active members. We need more volunteers. We need more Legionnaires,” one organizer said. The organization also faces the challenge of attracting younger members. One organizer, who is 54, said he considers himself among the younger Legionnaires, illustrating the age gap facing veterans’ organizations.

Organizers hope events such as the cookout can bring more people into the Legion and give current members additional reasons to participate. Proceeds from the cookout will go toward the Legion’s building fund and help support upcoming improvements. One planned project involves moving the Legion’s indoor smoking area outside. The existing smoking room could then be converted into a recreation area. Plans include adding dartboards, pinball machines and potentially shuffleboard. Organizers also hope to construct an outdoor structure that could provide additional space for members and guests. The goal is to modernize the Legion while maintaining it as a place where veterans and community members can gather.

The cookout was organized primarily by veterans, with four Navy veterans playing a significant role in putting the event together. An Army veteran also contributed, including helping with sound and other aspects of the event. Organizers said the cooperation among veterans, Legion members and community volunteers was an important part of the event’s success. The strong response has already prompted discussion about making the cookout an annual event. Organizers expect to increase the amount of food prepared next year and hope the event can become a recurring community gathering.

For organizers, the cookout was more than a fundraiser. It provided an opportunity to bring people together, support improvements to the Legion and demonstrate what can be accomplished through community involvement. With proceeds going toward the building fund and plans underway for recreational improvements, Legion members hope the event will help generate continued community interest and encourage more people to become active members.