Legion Auxiliary to host ‘We Survived Charley’ Party
Aug. 13 is the 11th anniversary of Hurricane Charley and the American Legion Auxiliary is planning its annual Hurricane Charley Party. Each year since the hurricane, a large crowd gathers at the American Legion to “celebrate” the anniversary.
This year’s party is set for Thursday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Hurricane Charley was the third named storm, and second hurricane, of the 2004 hurricane season. Charley lasted from Aug. 9, when it formed in the Atlantic, until Aug. 15, when it passed over the state north of Pine island on its way back to the Atlantic.
Charley was scheduled to hit Southwest Florida and the Pine Island area Aug. 13. Doug Manson (now deceased) was the American Legion historian and he opened the American Legion hall at 9 the morning of the 13th and a short time later people began showing up. As more and more cars parked in the lot, this drew in even more people and by 10 a.m. the rain and wind were so intense that leaving the island was impossible.
By noon the hall at the Legion was packed and many people showed up with their pets.
“The next year the Legion decided to have a ‘We Survived Hurricane Charley’ party,” Auxiliary President Claudine Alvarez said. “And we’ve tried to hold the party every year since. We just get together and get silly. We eat, drink and do our little ‘storm dance’.”
“It’s always a fun party but it’s just an excuse to have a good time and remember the hurricane,” former auxiliary president Linda Lewis said.
“Next Thursday will be the 11th anniversary of Hurricane Charley,” Alvarez said. “Please come and join us for a great party on Thursday, Aug. 13. Lunch will be sloppy joe’s with macaroni salad, chips and cookies. We will have a raffle a basket and tickets are available at the lounge. All proceeds go to the Auxiliary emergency fund. This is always a great party.”