The American Legion Riders hosted their eighth, and final, weekly Cornhole Fun Night on Tuesday, March 19. The event served as a fundraiser for the ALR to raise money for other biker groups in Columbia. This week’s event was a bracket-style tournament where teams competed for plaques. The McGuire’s Pub team, made of Mike McGuire and Bridget McGuire, took home the first place plaque. Steve Evans and Toby Gray from the Band of Brothers placed second, and the Slim Pickens team with Adam Kinser and Slim Pickens snagged third place.

The American Legion Riders are a group of motorcycle riders that are also part of the American Legion- the largest, nationwide organization for veterans. The tournament also featured players from outside of the Legion, including the Guardians- a motorcycle group in Columbia. The ALR itself has multiple groups within it.

“I kind of picture it as a triangle,” said ALR Director Mike McGuire.

At the top of the triangle is the American Legion, an organization that requires its members to be military veterans. Under the Legion is the American Legion Auxiliary, a group made up of the wives or daughters of Legion members. Spouses and daughters do not need to be veterans. The third group is the Sons of the the American Legion, which is for sons and grandsons of American Legion members.

“We just are passionate about riding so that’s why we’re the American Legion Riders,” said Jim Elkthunder

Members of the ALR can be found all around Columbia either riding or giving back to their community. In June, they will host their annual car and bike show where all proceeds will go to the Veterans and Children Foundation. In November, they will help the Salvation Army by participating in their Toys for Tots fundraiser. The ALR likes to have a good time when they give back which is evident at their Cornhole Fun Nights.

“This is just something we started in the winter, you know, to do something and keep warm,” said Director Mike McGuire.

Teams paid $50 to participate in eight weeks of cornhole every Tuesday night. This gave everyone involved the chance to socialize with each other and have a few drinks over a fun pastime. These Tuesday night games were such a success there is talk of them coming back in the fall.