The Seaside American Legion Post 99 is celebrating their 100th anniversary on Saturday. The event, which is open to the public, will include an open house from noon to 4 p.m. with live music, informational tables, raffles and American Legion items on display. Hot dogs with chips and $5 burgers will also be offered at the open house. A razor clam feed will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

The American Legion is one of the largest nationwide nonprofit organizations that advocate for veterans and their families. There are two arms under the “Legion Family” — the Auxiliary and The Sons of Legion. The Seaside American Legion has a long history with the first Seaside Post commander appointed in 1921, and Post 99 received its first charter in 1923.

Kim Wright and her family have a collective combined total of more than 200 years of military service.

A member of a multigenerational military family, three generations of her family were based out of Camp Rilea and have raised the flag in downtown Seaside each year on Memorial Day. Wright was a past commander and will serve as an incoming commander beginning in July.

“I really encourage people to come down, have a hamburger or hot dog and check it out,” Wright said. “It’s a way for the public to see what we do and if they qualify for membership. Chances are that they could qualify and become a member. It’s not a secret society.”

Wright, who was in the military for 32 years, became interested in the American Legion almost two decades ago. Her grandfather — a sergeant — died when Wright was a child, but her grandmother continued to pay her membership dues in the Auxiliary — an arm of the American Legion that many spouses and family members of Legion members belong to.

On Memorial Day 18 years ago, Wright watched her grandmother be honored with a 50-year pin in a ceremony. Soon after, Wright began volunteering, became an active member and joined the board. “One of the main reasons I started volunteering is I thought if someone can be a member of this place for 50 years, I can start helping,” Wright said.

The building is a safe space for veterans and their families. “It’s a great place to relax and enjoy dinner and live music with people who are in the same shoes as you, meaning veterans,” Wright said.

Saturday nights are often open to the public for fundraising dinners. The funds might be earmarked for maintenance on the building, or given directly to members, like helping elderly veterans pay their bills or awarding high school scholarships. The Teddy Bear Drive is another popular event hosted by the American Legion. The bears are collected from community donations and dispersed among the fire and police departments for children in distress.

With a dance floor, bar, dining room and kitchen, the building is also rented out for weddings, celebrations of life or to outside organizations’ fundraising events.

Wright said the American Legion is in a constant state of helping veterans and their families.

“Come check us out. See what we’ve done in the past for the community. We’ve bought people cars, we’ve helped others pay their bills. We’ve built ramps for access. It’s hard to even describe the amount of things that we do in the community for our veterans,” Wright said.