American Legion Post 119 Estes Park: Luau Fundraiser Brings the Community Together

If you want to know what it is really like to live in Estes Park, look no further than a themed party at the American Legion. This winter, the Legion Tavern at Post 119 hosted a luau fundraiser that brought locals together for an evening of tropical fun, community spirit, and support for a cause that has served Estes Park for over a century.

One of the things we love to share on Living in Estes Park is what daily life actually looks like in this mountain community. And one of the best parts of living here? When someone throws a themed party in the middle of winter, the locals show up in full force.

A Luau in February: Only in Estes Park

There is something uniquely Estes Park about throwing a Hawaiian luau in the middle of a Colorado winter. The Legion Tavern, freshly celebrating its new renovation, turned up the tropical vibes with decorations, games, and plenty of community energy.

One of the highlights of the evening was the fishing pool game. For $5, guests could use a "very fancy fishing pole" to hook a fish, shred it open, and find a number inside corresponding to different prize trays. The grand prize? A flamingo that had everyone eyeing the pond with competitive enthusiasm.

Events like this are what make Estes Park feel like home. It is not just a beautiful mountain town. It is a place where neighbors come together, support each other, and find creative ways to have fun no matter the season.

Supporting Veterans and Community: The Tavern Renovation

The luau was more than just a good time. It was a fundraiser organized by the Post 119 Charitable Foundation to support the ongoing renovation of the Legion Tavern. Dan Scace, President of the Foundation, shared the details of the campaign and the community's impressive progress.

The Renovation Goal: The overall renovation carries a $300,000 goal, and the Foundation is already over halfway there thanks to generous donors and friends of the Foundation.

Wi-Fi and Internet Upgrade: A $20,000 goal for a new internet and Wi-Fi system was nearly complete at the time of the event, just $700 short.

Electronic Sign: A new electronic sign carries a goal of approximately $32,000, with fundraising still underway.

Challenge Pledge: Donors can make their contributions go even further. Every donation is doubled through a challenge pledge, meaning your support has twice the impact.

More Than a Tavern: A Community Hub for Over 100 Years

American Legion Post 119, officially named the Joseph J. Duncan Jr. Post, is much more than a place to grab a drink. As Dan Scace described it, the Legion is truly a hub of the community. The organization exists to support veterans and the community, and that mission has been at the heart of Post 119 for over 100 years in Estes Park.

The historic building, originally built as the Bureau of Reclamation's administrative offices for the Colorado-Big Thompson Water Project, has served as a gathering place for generations. From scouting and youth activities to community events and concerts, the Legion has been a cornerstone of Estes Park life.

With the current renovation, Post 119 is looking ahead to its next century of service, ensuring the building and its programs remain vibrant for veterans and the broader Estes Park community.

How You Can Help Support Post 119

Whether you are a local, a seasonal visitor, or someone considering a move to Estes Park, supporting American Legion Post 119 is a meaningful way to invest in this mountain community. Here is how you can contribute:

•       Donate Online: Visit the Post 119 Charitable Foundation donation page at esteslegion.org/donate-now-1

•       Mail a Check: Estes Park Post 119 Charitable Foundation, PO Box 127, Estes Park, CO 80517

•       Donate by Phone or In-Person: Call 970-586-6118 or visit the Tavern at the Legion, located at 850 North Saint Vrain Avenue

•       Spread the Word: Share this post and let others know about the renovation campaign. Remember, challenge pledge matching means every donation is doubled.

This Is What Living in Estes Park Looks Like

Themed parties that bring the whole town out on a winter evening. Fundraisers where your neighbors show up to support a cause that has served the community for generations. Organizations like the American Legion that are not just historic landmarks but living, breathing parts of everyday life.

That is the Estes Park lifestyle. It is a place where community is not just a word. It is something you feel every time you walk into a room full of your neighbors, whether they are dressed in winter coats or Hawaiian shirts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Legion Post 119 in Estes Park?

American Legion Post 119, officially the Joseph J. Duncan Jr. Post, is a veteran service organization and community hub located at 850 North Saint Vrain Avenue in Estes Park, Colorado. The Post has served veterans and the Estes Park community for over 100 years, offering programs, events, and a gathering space that supports both veterans and the broader community.

How can I donate to the American Legion Post 119 renovation?

You can donate online at esteslegion.org/donate-now-1, mail a check to Estes Park Post 119 Charitable Foundation at PO Box 127, Estes Park, CO 80517, or call 970-586-6118. A challenge pledge is currently in place that doubles every donation.

What is the Post 119 Charitable Foundation?

The Post 119 Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization created to support capital improvements and maintenance of the historic American Legion building in Estes Park. As a 501(c)(3), the Foundation can access grant funding and donor-advised funds that the Post itself cannot as a 501(c)(19) organization.

What is the Legion Tavern renovation goal?

The overall Tavern renovation carries a $300,000 goal. Additional projects include a $20,000 internet and Wi-Fi upgrade and an approximately $32,000 electronic sign. The Foundation is over halfway to the main renovation goal.

What community events does American Legion Post 119 host?

Post 119 hosts a wide range of community events including fundraisers, themed parties, concerts through the Listening at the Legion program, and community gatherings. The Tavern is open to the public and serves as a social hub for locals and visitors alike.

What is it like living in Estes Park as a local?

Living in Estes Park means being part of a tight-knit mountain community where neighbors support each other through organizations like the American Legion, themed community events, and a shared love of the outdoor lifestyle. Locals enjoy access to Rocky Mountain National Park, a vibrant downtown, and a calendar full of community gatherings year-round.

Watch the Video

Want to see the luau in action? Watch the full video on our Estes Park Living YouTube channel: Luau Fundraiser at American Legion Post 119

Relevant Links

American Legion Post 119: esteslegion.org

Post 119 Charitable Foundation Donation Page: esteslegion.org/donate-now-1

Post 119 Charitable Foundation: esteslegion.org/charitable-foundation

American Legion Post 119 Facebook: facebook.com/ALPost119

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About the Authors: Jeff and Julie Abel are licensed real estate agents with Signature Home Team, brokered by Keller Williams Top of the Rockies, specializing in Estes Park and Northern Colorado mountain communities. They share insights about real estate and mountain living through the Estes Park Living channel.