American Legion Post 36 moved its annual yard sale, cookout and bake sale to the post’s hall on Industrial Park Drive on Saturday. The event had previously been held in early summer at the Boothbay Common. 

“They decided to move up after three years,” said Sue Burge. Burge and husband Bill set up a table of personal household sale items in the field adjacent to the hall.

“They have a great place,” said Burge.

Under a nearby tent, Navy veteran Fran Nicoletta set prices and collected money for items donated to the post.

Meanwhile, Ed Harmon, commander of the Sons and and Daughters of the Legion, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Money raised goes to a scholarship fund that annually splits $5,000 between a male and female graduate of Boothbay Region High School, said Harmon. 

Sons, daughters and grandchildren of the veterans now have a junior division as part of the Legion’s charter, said Harmon.

Harmon also serves as the post’s service officer. He said he helps veterans with paperwork for military benefits they had been previously denied.

Harmon’s granddaughter, Magen Burge, sold lemonade to raise money to help homeless veterans. Last year, she raised $200 to buy a bed for a veteran who had been been placed in an apartment. Her lemonade proceeds have also helped the Set for Success program provide funds for students to attend school field trips, said her grandmother, Sue Burge.

Inside the hall, the Ladies Auxiliary sold baked goods and raffle tickets for donated gift baskets. The proceeds will go to help girls attend the annual Girls State program. 

Later in the day, Chef Ralph Smith of Mine Oyster was scheduled to serve up oysters and a barbecue dinner.