American Legion Post 25 Celebrates Grand Opening of Pavilion in Laurens
October 14, 2024
The grand opening of the American Legion Post 25 pavilion in Laurens, originally set for September 28th, was delayed by a few weeks due to Hurricane Helene. However, the weather couldn’t dampen the excitement as a large crowd gathered on Saturday, October 12, to celebrate this long-awaited milestone.
The pavilion, located at 19 Choctaw Street, took about 8 months to build, at a cost of approximately $62,000. An estimated 3,000 man-hours were invested in the project, demonstrating the dedication and hard work of Post members and volunteers.
Post Commander Kevin Farnsworth reflected on the accomplishment: “This pavilion has been a long time coming. It was a concept that began about eight years ago, and we finally gained the momentum to see it through. Thanks to the county grant and the support of the community, we now have a space that will serve both veterans and the local community.”
While the pavilion’s structure is mostly complete, there are still plans to add a catering kitchen, a food and beverage bar, and overhead doors to provide both open-air enjoyment and protection from the elements. Farnsworth explained: “We’re setting up the food service area with commercial grade warming equipment, but it won’t be a full kitchen. The main goal is to make this space versatile, so we can host Post events, community activities, and rent it out as well.”
Senator Danny Verdin, who was present at the grand opening, also shared his thoughts on the significance of the pavilion. “American Legion Post 25 has always been an integral part of Laurens County, and this pavilion represents their continued commitment to our veterans and our community. It’s a place where people can come together, honor our service members, and build lasting connections.”
The pavilion, an important new resource for Post 25, will serve both veterans and the local community for years to come. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the Laurens County community, and this pavilion is another way for us to give back,” Farnsworth added.
The grand opening event featured live music, food, drinks, and a bounce house for children, marking the start of what promises to be a valuable new asset for the Post and the community.
