By KEN WRIGHT/for The Herald — Oakridge Post 64 of The American Legion will be hosting an evening of food, friendship and bowling Wednesday, April 26th, from 6-9p.m. Ben Ward, owner of Willamette Lanes, located at 47707 Highway 58, will be graciously opening it’s doors, at the request of the Post, to all military veterans, active duty servicemen and women, and their immediate families. Besides free bowling, the Post will be providing hot dogs (the good ones!) and an assortment of sides. Soft drinks will also be available.
The Post wants to let the folks around Oakridge and Westfir know that we’re here. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE POST to enjoy this evening of bowling, food, and comradery. For those who may be interested in becoming a member of the Post, there will applications available.
Photo Courtesy Ben Ward Willamette Lanes looks as good as new. Ben Ward has put in thousands of hours of hard work to revive the iconic bowling alley.
If you haven’t been to Willamette Lanes, you’re missing out. It’s not just bowling. Arcade games of all sorts line the walls. There’s a pool table, as well. Ben says that he will soon have a full kitchen to serve meals at the counter. Alcoholic beverages will also be coming soon.
The Post requests that you RSVP, if possible, so that they will be able to have a “head count”. Don’t want to run out of dogs!
If you know a veteran or servicemember, pass the word. The American Legion is an organization of veterans for veterans.
Please contact Ken Wright @ 541-521-6815 or George Custer @541-225-8484 for more information.
American Legion bowling poster (George Custer)
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
