On Sept. 9, the Ocean County American Legion Family, led by chairman Nicholas Wingler, past detachment commander, held the eighth annual end-of-summer BBQ for autistic children and their families. This event started eight years ago and was originally to be a one-and-done program, but eight years later the Legion Family insists on continuing this celebration at the end of each summer. The funds for this barbecue are raised every year through the donations of different American Legion posts, Auxiliary units and Sons squadrons from Ocean County and other posts throughout the state of New Jersey. This year was a record high in attendance, over 650 autistic children and their families enjoying a day in the sun. They enjoyed such things as bounce houses, large slides, tracklist, train rides, costumed characters, barbecue food, games, prizes and live music. Wingler said there’s nothing more enjoyable than seeing the smiles on the kids' faces every year when they come and celebrate with them.