Greenport American Legion's First Public Open Skate Sunday

GREENPORT, NY — Build it, again, and they will come: After months of anticipation, it's time to head to Greenport and lace up your skates — the Greenport American Legion Burton Potter Post 185 is officially reborn.

Mindy Ryan, general manager of the Legion, announced Friday that the first public open skating session will be held Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It's a soft opening, she said, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening to follow on a future date.

And that's not all: On Friday, March 16, the Legion will host the "Friday Night Live! Fundraiser," featuring the Hoodoo Loungers, a Mardis Gras party band.

The event features music and sketch comedy, with appetizers and cocktails by Front Street Station and a Costume parade: Ultimate Crowns by Taffi Laing.

Proceeds will benefit the Greenport American Legion; tickets cost $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For more information, call 631-333-2644 or click here. Doors open at $7:30 p.m. Ages 21 and over.

The event benefits Greenport's American Legion Burton Potter Post 185, the George D. Costello Sr. Memorial Skating Rink, the Robert E. and Lillian A. White Greenport Community Center.

"We’re very excited to welcome the Hoodoo Loungers to the Greenport American Legion," Ryan said. "Our party coordinator is putting together a great mix of music, sketch comedy, specialty cocktails, dancing and lots of laughs."

The rink's new life has been embraced by the community that harbors fond memories of skating at the beloved facility for generations. And now, after almost a decade of restoration kicked off by George Costello Sr. in 2010, efforts have culminated in a beautiful new space.

Being an integral part of the rebirth of a place that holds such deep and cherished memories for the Greenport community holds great meaning for Ryan.

"I am very honored," she said. "Then there is the feeling of excitement. There is just so much potential here and I can feel the excitement in the air. The people have waited a long time for this. The memories come flooding back. It was great then — and it will be even better now."

The Greenport American Legion is located at 121 3rd Street, Greenport, NY 11944.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.