Saturday was another community dinner night for Escalon, presented by members of the Escalon American Legion Post 263, and it was also a bit of a birthday celebration as well.

Longtime Post member George ‘Pineapple’ Tavares was honored on the occasion of his 77th birthday. Two cakes were offered, both decorated, one with his ‘77’ years recognized and the other commemorating his ‘29th birthday,’ in case Tavares didn’t want to admit to the older age.

The Feb. 15 dinner was a Mexican theme and drew a sizeable crowd to enjoy tamales, tacos, chicken tortilla soup, chili Colorado, rice and beans, corn salad and more. There were also a number of dessert options, in addition to the birthday cake. The crowd did serenade Tavares, singing Happy Birthday to him at the conclusion of the dinner.

The local Legion Post puts on the monthly dinners several times during the year, each month with a special meal theme. Donations are accepted but there is no cost to attend and Legion members host the dinners as a way to thank the community for their continued support throughout the year.

Diners make their way along the serving line, choosing those items they want to eat, with Legion members dishing up the food.

There will be no community dinner in March, as the third Saturday – March 15 – will instead feature a fundraising Crab Feed dinner put on at the Legion Hall on Second Street.