Kim Shorts: Trivia nights, craft shows, guitar jams and much more at the Legion

One of the great pillars in any community is the local Legion.

I think it's okay to say that I find myself always with friends at Kincardine Branch 183 on a regular basis.

This time, Jim and I were invited back to the Nov. 7 Trivia Night table with some of the regular players. It’s always a full house at Trivia Night and it’s always a loud barrel of laughs - especially when we get the answers wrong. Other times, we go to hear live music or have fries and a beer.

When I was lawn bowling, a group of us would head over to the Legion for refreshments after the games. It offers some great food and sits in a lovely location at 219 Lambton Street, close to Station Beach. It’s also a nice cool place to go to during the Blues Festival – something that is especially appreciated when it is hot outside. And I have to say, the Legion has a solid reputation at hosting great bands.

Let’s not forget the tasty bake sales and craft shows. I picked up some great finds at this year’s Legion Craft and Bake Sale. Jim headed straight for the baked goods - need I say more?

Then there are Bingo Nights, Darts, and well, just check out the monthly calendar at the Legion web page.

All of these services are provided to the public and to members by raising funds at various Legion events and the rental of the banquet hall.

The Legion celebrates 80-plus years of history and community support. The MacDonald Branch 183 in Kincardine was formed in 1937. It has had several homes since then before coming to its current Ardloch Lodge location in 1976. Its mandate is to support veterans and the local community. I appreciate the role it plays: “The Legion exists so that Canada never forgets.”

Legion branches are the cornerstone of communities across Canada, and provide one of the largest volunteer bases in the country. With more than 1,400 branches from coast-to-coast-to-coast, members provide local essential services in their communities. The Legion runs the Ontario Command Public Speaking Contest, part of the Legion's youth and education program, along with a Remembrance Day poster and literary contest, track and field, and a bursary program.

These days, you do not need connections to the Canadian military to join a Legion. It accepts members of the public to join. Like a lot of community organizations, the Legion relies on the support of its many volunteers (both members and non-members). Boy, are they organized and dedicated. I am always in awe when I am at a Legion event and watch the volunteers do their jobs seamlessly, as if they were born into the role. You can feel a sense of camaraderie and support.

And the Legion is always looking for volunteers to help with tasks, kitchen help, table setting or serving, assisting at Bingo, or the many other events it hosts.

If you are interested in volunteering, or wish more information about volunteering, you can go on-line and reply through the above link.

I’ll be back at the Legion again this month, as I look forward to my first New Year’s Eve Dance, Dec 31 (and I’m especially grateful for our own designated drivers!). Turns out, members of our Trivia group are joining in the fun to help dance away 2025 as we welcome 2026.