Post 77 finalizes plans for Legion’s 100th anniversary

RAYNE - As announced during the February meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, the bands have been booked, the menu set and plans finalized for the American Legion’s 100th anniversary celebration planned at the American Legion Home here.
With the actual birthday of the American Legion March 15, the Rayne celebration will be held Saturday, March 16, at the local Legion Home with legionnaires, their families and the general public invited to attend.
As announced by Commander David Simon, a 10 a.m. opening ceremony will begin the celebration. A special Color Guard will be in attendance from the Louisiana National Guard, in addition to special guests including Mayor Charles Robichaux representative of the city and other dignitaries.
“This is the observance of the 100th birthday of the U.S. American Legion,” stated Post 77 Commander David Simon. “We are hoping to get the entire community involved and learn what the American Legion is all about.”
Six bands will provided musical entertainment between noon and 10 p.m., in addition to other activities to be provided for the entire family including fun jumps, balloon artists, face painting and much more.
A 50-50 raffle will be held, along with door prizes as provided from local and area businesses.
Highlighting the 100th celebration will be a chili cook-off that is open to all local and area “chefs.” Entry fee is $25 per team with a minimum of 2 people per team who are responsible for all ingredients, pots and burners. Trophies will be awarded to first and second place finishers, along with bragging rights.
Visitors are welcomed to enjoy a bowl of the chili entries for only $5 per ticket.
Chili cook-off applications are available at the Legion Home in Rayne, call 334-4774 for additional information or contact Mike Pastor at 446-7673 for entry forms.
In addition, adult beverages, soft drinks and water will be available. No ice chests will be allowed.
In addition to the chili cook-off purchases, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase inside the Legion Hall.
Sponsorships available for purchase for businesses, groups, or individuals. Please contact Terry Broussard at 781-0515 Mike Pastor at 446-7673 or Keith Fontenot at 458-8322 for more information regarding sponsorships.
Under committee reports, the commander announced the arrival of paperwork he received for the many Legion programs hosted by Post 77 (Boys State, Oratorical Contest and awards for the annual Law Enforcement Officer, Fireman and Citizen of the Year, Teacher of the Year). The forms were distributed by Chairman John Quebodeaux as he awaits nominations.
For Boys State, it was noted two males and two females from Rayne High have shown interest in the annual event, with community sponsors to be contacted soon.
It was also announced the orientation meeting for Boys and Girls State will again be held at the local Legion Home on June 6 at 5 p.m. prior to the summer program.
Simon reported of the recent weekend musical entertainment and events held at the Legion Home, in addition to a number of events planned in the coming weeks, including Five o”clock Shadow, Bayou Beat and Louisiana Knights.
Following the maintenance report including projects and repairs recently completed at the Legion Home, it was noted the air conditioner in the kitchen area was in need to be replaced.
Robert Comeaux also stated the lights on the home’s front signs had been replaced, as well as the addition of lighting for the flag pole to illuminate the U.S. Flag.
The membership report for the new membership year of 128 paid up dues was given.
In addition to ladies of Unit77 Auxiliary, special guest in attendance for the meeting was 7th District Vice Commander Frank Richard who spoke of the free insurance benefit available to all legionnaires in the amounts of $1,000 and $5,000. Please contact the American Legion locally or online for additional information.
The commander also reminded everyone that food and beverages are still available for purchase with an expanding menu at the Legion Home during normal bar hours. Call 334-4774 to place your pick-up orders.
Also continuing at the Legion Home is Cadillac and Domino games between 4 p.m. until closing every Thursday.
“Thirsty Thursday” drink specials will also be available from 7 p.m. till. All domestic beers are $1.50 a bottle.
With no further business to come before the Post, the meeting was adjourned and a meal was served by the Legion cooks.