Shrimp Feast proceeds support Legion baseball

If you enjoy the fellowship of hanging out around a backyard grill and talking with neighbors and friends, you won’t want to miss Shrimp Feast 2011.

The annual event, now in its 20th year, will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at the American Legion in Edenton. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with food to be served from 5-6:30 p.m.

Musical entertainment will be provided by TAZ II from 6-9:30 p.m.

A variety of delicious food will be available including different styles of cooked shrimp, fried fish, baked beans, coleslaw, boiled potatoes, hush puppies and fresh pork BBQ.

Sons of the American Legion Post 40 will host the Shrimp Feast. Proceeds will support the American Legion Post 40’s two baseball teams.

And that’s as it should be, said SAL member Steve Leary.

“When I played Legion ball Edenton didn’t have a team and three of us had to drive to Ahoskie to play,” Leary said. “We need the community to support our baseball program so we can continue to sponsor two teams.”

Leary said the players on the two local teams — one made of high school juniors, and one of seniors — represent some of the best young people around.

“We are very proud to have such fine young men representing our post and our community throughout eastern North Carolina as they participate in Legion baseball,” Leary added. “We invite everybody to come out and enjoy the night while supporting American Legion baseball.”

Post 40 Adjutant E.C. Toppin recalled that the local American Legion baseball program started in the late 1970s. Toppin said that over the years while the community has continued to support the program, the cost of maintaining it has risen over time.

“The cost to continue the program has really escalated in the past few years which has caused some belt-tightening,” Toppin said. “Because of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 40’s efforts, the opportunity for talented baseball players of northeastern North Carolina to play baseball at a higher level continues to be realized.”

Regarding the Shrimp Feast fundraiser, SAL member Ronnie Sawyer said, the community’s support was crucial.

“This (Shrimp Feast) is our major fundraiser for the baseball program,” Sawyer said. “It is one of the best events that I have had the pleasure to attend.

“Not only do you get to eat all the shrimp and fish you want but the fellowship shared by everyone is outstanding. It’s like a backyard cookout with all your friends and neighbors!”

Shrimp Feast tickets are on sale now for $25; tickets will sell for $30 if bought at the event. For ticket locations and other information, contact the American Legion at 482-4057.