Legions holding events commemorating centennial

WELLINGTON COUNTY – A century after the Royal Canadian Legion took shape to serve soldiers returning from the First World War, branches across Wellington County are marking the July 17 milestone.

The Legion dates back to 1917 and the Great War Veterans’ Association, with the modern organization forming in 1925-26 to help veterans, advise government and distribute poppies.

One hundred years later, it has grown into the largest service club in Canada, and for its centennial year the Legion is offering free one-year memberships to Canadians who aren’t already members.

Next week, Legion branches across the county are set to hold ceremonies, street parties, barbecues and concerts to celebrate.

The Fergus Legion is leading the way by pulling out all the stops.

Fergus

Fergus Legion Branch 275 is hosting a “Centenary Community Street Party” on July 17 at its 500 Blair Street location, with two overlapping events running through the afternoon and evening.

A “family zone” runs from 4 to 8pm, with a strolling magician, face painting, cornhole and high striker.

Children can make poppies to be later displayed at the branch, and Centre Wellington Fire Rescue will have a firetruck on display.

Family line dancing with Coastal Cowgirl runs from 5 to 7pm, and free hot dogs and drinks, provided by FreshCo, to be served with anniversary cupcakes.
The “festival zone” for adults runs from 6 to 10pm.

The Oscars perform live from 6 to 7:45pm, followed by Lady Mondegreen from 8 to 10pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a camp chair.

Coastal Cowgirl leads adult line dancing from 7:30 to 9:30pm, the magician makes a return appearance, and the high striker will be reset for grown-ups.

Toonie tacos, $5 alcoholic beverages and spirit-free offerings will be available.

A shuttle runs from 4 to 10pm with stops at the A.O. Smith parking lot and Terry Fox Park (corner of St. Andrew Street West and Johnston).

Organizers say the event is made possible by corporate sponsors Dixon Home Hardware Building Centre, backing the family zone, and Reliable Ford, funding the festival zone’s live music, with F-150 trucks on site.

Branch members and supporters in navy blue t-shirts bearing sponsor logos will be on hand to help and to answer questions about the Legion and membership.

As part of the centennial, the Legion is partnering with Ford Dealers of Canada to give every member who automatically renews three chances to win a new Ford F-150 STX.

Harriston

Harriston Legion Branch 296 will mark the centennial with a commemorative crossover at its new veteran crosswalk, at the intersection of Elora Street South and Mill Street by the cenotaph.

On July 15 at 7:30pm, veterans and Legion members will be piped across by piper Jim Stewart “to honour the veterans, past and present,” said branch president Anne South.

South said the public is invited to watch and enjoy comradeship at the branch following the ceremony.

Elora

The Elora Legion Branch 229 will celebrate on July 17 from 1 to 2pm with a family barbecue by donation with proceeds going to the food bank. The No Name Band and friends will play live in the Maple Leaf Room.

Drayton

The Drayton Legion Branch 416 will hold a wreath laying on July 17 at 11am, accompanied by a piper. Euchre follows at 7:30pm.

Mount Forest

Starting July 17, the Mount Forest Legion Branch 134 will have its annual tent on the grounds of the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex for the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival.

The branch will have entertainment, a cornhole tournament and a military vehicle display. The display coincides with the Legion’s 100th anniversary.

Arthur

The Arthur Legion Branch 226 will hold a wreath laying at the Arthur cenotaph on July 18 at 11am, with a Colour Party accompanying.

There will be a talk about the 100th anniversary, and fellowship at the branch follows the ceremony.

Erin

The Erin Legion Branch 442 is hosting a full day of activity on July 18 at its branch from 11am to 9pm.

Guests can expect live music from multiple artists, including Bryce and Austin Butcher from 1 to 4pm, and Liam Baltch from 6 to 9pm.

Cornhole and washer toss will be on offer, along with kids’ activities including a petting zoo, pony rides and face painting.

An all-day barbecue will serve peameal on a bun from 11am to 2pm before switching to hamburgers and hot dogs, served with a side salad, from 2 to 8pm.

Tying it all together, a museum and archive section on the branch’s top floor will showcase the history of the Legion and its members.

Palmerston

The Palmerston Legion does not have any events scheduled.