Saturday, July 18, 2026
The celebrations continued on Saturday, July 18, when Branch 176 welcomed the public for a full day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, live music, museum tours, games, food, and fundraising, bringing together members of all ages to celebrate this historic milestone in true community spirit.
- Family Time: Families and children joined us for a fun-filled afternoon featuring outdoor games, cornhole, face painting, free donuts and coffee for everyone, and complimentary juice and ice cream for the kids. Representatives from The Legion Foundation were also in attendance, helping make this a welcoming event for families of all ages.
- Community BBQ: Guests enjoyed our anniversary BBQ throughout the day, with salmon burgers, chicken burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. All food proceeds were directed to the Branch 176 Building Fund.
- Free Museum Tours: Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed complimentary guided tours led by James F., Director of the Kits Point Military Museum. Guests learned about the history and significance of the Royal Canadian Legion, the legacy of Air Marshal Billy Bishop, the history of Branch 176, and viewed an impressive collection of military artifacts on display.
- Gaming & Great Prizes: Our Bingo, Meat Draw, and Trivia events were well attended and offered fantastic prizes generously donated by local businesses, including Cockney Kings (Kitsilano location), Norco Bikes, IGA, Red Truck Brewing, and many other community supporters.
- Free Movie Screening: Guests enjoyed a complimentary screening of "Billy Bishop Goes to War", complete with free popcorn, providing an opportunity to learn more about the remarkable life of one of Canada's greatest wartime heroes.
- Boutique Items Sale: Visitors browsed hundreds of donated items, including clothing, books, gift certificates, household goods, and unique finds contributed by local businesses and community members. All proceeds from the sale were dedicated to the Branch 176 Building Fund, helping preserve and maintain our historic Legion building.
- Live Music: The celebration concluded with an outstanding performance by Blueshawk Band, who entertained a packed house from 7:30 PM until 11:00 PM, keeping the dance floor full and providing a memorable finale to an incredible day of celebration.
Celebrating Community: Over the course of the day, members, veterans, families, friends, and visitors came together to celebrate 100 years of the Royal Canadian Legion. The event showcased the Legion's enduring commitment to remembrance, community service, and bringing people together while raising funds to support the continued preservation of Branch 176 for future generations.
Why was this celbration important for Branch 176?
For Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Branch 176, the 100th Anniversary was an opportunity to:
- Celebrate being part of a national organization with a remarkable 100-year legacy.
- Showcase the branch to the Kitsilano community and welcome new visitors.
- Honour local veterans and long-time members.
- Highlight the many community programs the branch now offers, including Seniors & Veterans programs, museum tours, live entertainment, charitable initiatives, and community events.
- Build awareness that today's Legion is much more than a veterans' organization—it is a welcoming community gathering place that continues to evolve while honouring its traditions.
Our July 18th Centennial Celebration was especially meaningful because it not only commemorated 100 years of the Royal Canadian Legion but also demonstrated how Branch 176 continues to fulfill the Legion's mission by supporting veterans, strengthening community connections, and preserving Canada's military heritage for future generations.
