The September gathering for a community dinner at the Escalon American Legion Post featured tacos this past Saturday night.

With meat, rice, beans, salsa and more, the tacos were served up on Sept. 18, with Legion members inviting some special guests in to enjoy the meal with them. Often, it is someone who has been a friend to or supporter of the Legion and its many activities, as well as family members of current Legion members and family of those Post members who have passed.

Outside, behind the Second Street Legion building, volunteers were manning a grill to warm up the soft tortillas for use as taco shells, while inside, another crew dished up the meat, piping hot, for diners to add other ingredients to customize their plates.

One guest said he came in from Manteca for the meal, while others were returning diners from the Escalon area.

Among those back for another month was Marlin Moreno, with the Post members thanking him for the painting he did on the outside of the building, sprucing up the trim work with fresh paint.

Post member Allan Lial got some bids for the work and then contacted Moreno, seeking some advice, with Moreno volunteering his services to do the painting. The Post provided the paint; Moreno provided all the labor and expertise.

“He stepped up to the plate and did it,” Lial said.

Saturday night saw another full house for the event, with several dozen diners sharing the meal and conversation.

Coming up in October, the Post will put on the final community dinner of the year, staging a chili cook-off. There is no cost for the meals, though donations are accepted.