After a fire destroyed the old hall October 5, 2006 the Legion erected a new building at the same location that has been in use since fall 2007. The new hall, which cost approximately $275,000 to build, is totally paid for, thanks to insurance money and the generosity of the Wakonda community, which gave approximately $85,000 (including $25,000 from First Premier Bank) and donated labor and some materials for cleaning up the fire debris and building the new structure.
The primary activities of the American Legion include: holding monthly Legion meetings, annual Veteran’s and Memorial Day Services for the community, participating in local parades and programs, hosting the annual Hunter’s Feed each October and serving meals at auctions, fundraisers, and other events that take place in the Legion Hall.
Just like the old building was before, the new Legion Hall building is the center of activity for the Wakonda community. The hall is busy year-round with community events, weddings and private functions. Girard Auctions featuring Antique Tractor, Collector Car, and Vintage Farm Equipment Auctions are held every June. Other auctions include farm toys and memorabilia. Many auctions are broadcast live over the Internet, spanning two or three days in length, and drawing bidders from across the United States and some internationally. Legion members, along with Auxiliary members, often serve food during these events.
The fire was devastating to Legion members and the community at large. The goodness and generosity of the community had shown brightly when, a mere year after the fire, a Legion building was built in its place. Many Legion members, as well as friends of the Legion, volunteered their time, money, and talent to clean up the fire site and to bring a new building to life. The majority of Legion records were destroyed in the fire.
