Designed to be used during Ocean City’s warm and sunny peak season, American Legion Post 166 opened its long-awaited Rooftop Tiki Bar on April 1. The day was dreary and overcast, but that didn’t stop hardy patrons from visiting the post’s biggest improvement since the post building on Coastal Highway and 23rd Street opened in 1954. The post was chartered in February of 1946, and its membership, which has been growing every year, recently leaped past one thousand, making it one of the biggest posts in the state of Maryland. A post this big needs big amenities, and the new Rooftop Tiki Bar addition is just that.

The nearly 10-month construction project finally had a soft opening on April 1, in preparation for its formal opening and dedication scheduled for April 19. The soft opening had many firsts. Bartender Sherree became the first post bartender to pour a drink. Post member and Navy veteran Patrick McAleeman was the first person served. Gene Fosnacht was the first member of the Sons of the American Legion to buy a beer. Teri Souder was the first member of the Auxiliary to patronize the Tiki Bar. She brought with her Will Buckley, who was visiting from Post 175 in Severna Park, MD, and he became the first guest, and first American Legion visiting member to the new amenity.