American Legion Post 210 and the American Legion Riders of Post 210 held a tri-tip dinner at the newly remodeled Veterans Memorial Hall. Pictured from left, Roger Grimes (bike), Ray Whiteside, Owen Stiles, Michelle Whiteside, John Carter, Jason Stifel, James Thomas and Joe Panettoni (bike).

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – America’s colors were waving proudly outside Gridley’s Veterans Memorial Hall as the American Legion Post 210 and their brothers, the American Legion Riders, held a tasty fundraiser dinner on Flag Day, June 14.

The newly remodeled Veterans Memorial Hall has been unusable by the veterans’ groups that call it home for the past years, including Post 210, but was officially reopened in a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 14.

The American Legion Post, Axillary and Riders have moved back to the hall from their temporary home in Biggs, bringing with them their popular Thursday night Bingo.

Veterans, friends and family gathered on Flag Day, June 14 to have dinner with the American Legion Post, American Legion Riders and their auxiliaries

Saturday’s dinner featured wonderfully flavored tri-tip, salad, and beans with dine-in and take-out options. Whole, seasoned tri-tips were also for sale for $40, with all proceeds from the dinner going to the veterans’ groups.

In addition to co-hosting the dinner, the American Legion Riders promoted their upcoming poker-run and motorcycle raffle. For just $50 per ticket, you can enter to win a 01’ Dyna T-Sport (FXDX) Harley-Davidson with all proceeds going toward veterans’ causes. The final day to enter is Sept. 6, the day of the poker run. 

For those interested in participating in the poker-run, registration includes one poker hand and one meal ticket, with the first bike out at 10 a.m. and the last in at 1 p.m. A rider’s cost to enter is $25, with passengers at $10 each. The run will start at 249 Sycamore St., Gridley, otherwise known as Veterans Memorial Hall.

Many cooks in the kitchen! Legion members and riders worked together to serve attendees a fantastic tri-tip dinner. From left are James Thomas, Ray Whiteside, John Carter, Joe Panettoni, Jason Stifel Sr. and Jason Stifel Jr.

The public is encouraged to join to help promote and support our local veterans’ groups. 

The riders merged with American Legion Post 210 last year, bringing a fun spin and new blood to the local post. The group has been flourishing, along with both the American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion Riders Auxiliary and its Sons of the American Legion brothers.

If you look at the patches on the rider’s jackets, Jason Stifel Jr., of the American Legion Riders said, you will see the words “Veterans,” “Auxiliary” or “Squadron,” designating the members’ rank with those in the squadron being decedents of veterans, with the Auxiliary for spouses of the riders.

Roger Grimes holds up the legion riders chapter vest over the Harley-Davidson motorcycle currently being raffled off as part of their upcoming poker run.

“We aren’t a motorcycle club” said Roger Grimes, an American Legion rider. “There is no ‘MC’ on our jackets. We are an organization and one focused on supporting veterans and veteran’s affairs, while promoting patriotism and community through riding.”

American Legion Post 210 and the American Legion Riders plan to be rolling down the Biggs 4th of July, further introducing themselves to the community.

To join the American Legion Riders or its Auxiliary, you do not have to be a veteran but you must be the son or daughter, wife or husband, or child or grandchild of a veteran.