As they have for the last several months, the Escalon American Legion Post once again opened its doors for a Saturday evening dinner. Typically hosted the third Saturday, the Legion welcomes community members for dinner and conversation, with a different theme each month.

For the Saturday, July 16 gathering, tri-tip was the feature and several side dishes were offered as well. In the spirit of summer, the dessert table was turned in to an ice cream bar. Scoopers put the vanilla ice cream into bowls and diners could turn them in to sundaes or banana splits, adding as many of the available toppings as they wanted.

It was the largest crowd ever for the dinner, Legion members said, with more than 80 turning out for the festivities.

Past dinners have featured Italian nights, fish, and a popular chili cookoff.

Donations for the dinner are accepted but not required. There also was a free giveaway table of fresh produce, brought in by local gardeners, for all to take.

Several American Legion members were on hand to cook up the tri tip, slice it, and work at the food table to make sure diners received as much to eat as they wanted. There was more than enough to go around, and the majority of diners also dropped some cash into the donation jars, helping to support the Post and its ongoing programs.

No official announcement has been made regarding the menu for August, but the dinner night at the Legion Hall is expected to be hosted on Aug. 20.