Events at American Legion Building , Edenton

About American Legion Building

The Edward G. Bond American Legion Post 40 halls in Edenton, NC are a multi-purpose veterans’ facility and community event venue. Its main address is 1317 W Queen Street, on the site of the Chowan County fairgrounds (visitedenton.com). The Post 40 complex includes two large halls (roughly 4,000 and 3,600 square feet) of open floor space (visitedenton.com). Originally built in 1952 as a “Legion home and exhibit building,” the site has hosted veteran and civic gatherings for generations (www.chowanfair.com). Today it serves not only as a meeting place for veterans of Chowan, Perquimans, Pasquotank and nearby counties, but also as one of the largest indoor venues in town for community events. Its historic significance comes from long ties to the local American Legion post and the annual county fair. In fact, the Chowan County Fair began as the “American Legion Fair” in 1947 (www.chowanfair.com), and the current Legion halls grew out of that tradition. The venue’s veteran-friendly atmosphere and small-town charm make it a notable gathering place in Edenton.

Events and Programming

The American Legion Building hosts a range of community-oriented events year-round. Common gatherings include benefit dinners (like the annual fish fry and fundraiser socials), community banquets, volunteer fairs and family charity events. For example, Post 40’s popular annual Fish Fry dinner – featuring fried local fish, slaw, potatoes and hushpuppies – was last held in March 2025 (edentonthisweek.com). The building also presented a “Volunteer Meet-Up” expo in February 2024 that attracted dozens of local service organizations and residents (edentonsociallight.com). In general, events tend to be grassroots and family-friendly (fundraising fish fries, pancake breakfasts, etc.), rather than big-ticket concerts or national touring shows. However, the halls have occasionally been used for live music nights, community theater or veterans’ ceremonies. Any local club or non-profit can rent the space, so programming ranges from sports banquets and dance classes to craft fairs. Ticket prices vary by event – many community dinners cost on the order of $10–$20 per plate – but most local Legion events are affordable fundraisers for youth and civic causes.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets and reservations for events at the American Legion Building are usually arranged directly through Post 40. There is no central box office or online ticketing service. Instead, any advance tickets or pre-sales are handled via the Legion’s own announcements or community flyers. Often you simply pay at the door on the night of the event (cash or local check is common). For larger events (like banquets), Post 40 members will typically advertise dates in local media and may sell tickets in advance through the Post lounge or on their phone list. If you plan to rent the hall for a private event (a wedding, reunion, etc.), you would contact the Post 40 hall manager – typically a veterans’ spouse or appointed aide – to discuss dates, fees and setup. (Post 40’s own website or Edenton’s visitor office can give contact info.) In short, strategy for popular Legion events is to follow local news and community calendars, and be prepared to purchase entry at the door or from a Post volunteer, since there are no third-party ticket sites involved.

Seating and Layout

The American Legion Building has two large rectangular halls with flexible floor plans. Seating is not fixed – tables and folding chairs are brought in as needed for each event. One room (about 4,000 sq.ft.) and the other (about 3,600 sq.ft.) can each seat on the order of a few hundred people when arranged for banquets or meetings (visitedenton.com). There are no permanent theaters or stadium-style seats; guests simply sit at tables or rows of chairs. General admission is the norm (no reserved VIP sections), so arriving early is best if you want front seats or a prime table. Acoustic conditions are typical of a meeting hall: hard floors and high ceilings can cause echo, so speeches and music may require a microphone and speakers (the Post does have a basic PA system but not pro-level sound gear). If there is a stage or raised platform (often used during the annual fair and some concerts), sight lines are best from center tables facing it. In general, choose seats toward the front or middle for the clearest view and sound; avoid the very back corners if you need to hear announcements. The layout can be reconfigured for different events (banquets, dance floor, meeting rows, etc.), but always expect open-floor, flexible seating layout.

Getting There and Parking

The American Legion Building is located at 1317 W Queen St, on the west side of Edenton. Highways US-17 Business (Broad Street) and US-17 Bypass run near town; from either direction drivers take the Queen Street exit (Exit 224) and head west. The Chowan County Fair site (co-located with the Legion halls) is easy to find: signs for the fairgrounds and “FREE PARKING” are posted along W Queen Street (www.chowanfair.com). In short, take US-17 to Exit 224, turn onto W Queen St/US-17 BUS, and after about one mile the Legion post and fairgrounds are on your right (www.chowanfair.com). There is ample free parking in the large adjacent lot and fields – on fairgrounds-owned land – which can hold several hundred cars (www.chowanfair.com). No parking fees are charged (it is free and self-parking with no attendant). If you use a GPS or map app, enter “1317 W Queen St, Edenton, NC 27932.”

Public transportation options are extremely limited. Edenton has no city bus or subway, so the site is generally reached by car. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) do operate in the region, but you should plan a drop-off/pick-up point along Queen Street near the main entrance, since the lot can be uneven gravel. There is plenty of safe room to be dropped off right in front of the entrance. If you prefer to avoid late-night driving, plan ahead: the nearest large city is Elizabeth City (20–30 minutes east), and taxis or shuttle companies there might be called for a return trip. In practice most local visitors simply drive and park on-site.

Inside the Venue

Upon entering, you’ll find a casual, patriotic atmosphere. The main front doors open into a vestibule or lobby area (often decorated with flag-emblems and Legion insignia) that leads directly into the halls. Expect to see veterans in uniform or polo shirts at the door welcoming guests or checking tickets. The walls inside are typically cinderblock or paneled wood, often displaying American flags, military banners and honor plaques. The lighting is fluorescent and practical (no fancy stage lighting), and heating/air conditioning keeps the room comfortable year-round. Tables of various sizes are set up as needed – round tables for dinners, long rows for banquets, or open space for a dance floor. There will usually be folding chairs for everyone, but at outdoor-fair events bleacher benches might also be used.

A typical indoor event might feature food and drinks served from one side of the hall. Many community dinners are prepared on-site by Legion volunteers. For instance, during the Fish Fry they had long side tables where hot fish, slaw, buttered potatoes and hushpuppies were plated and served (edentonthisweek.com). The Post Bar (a cash bar serving beer, wine and soft drinks) is often just off the main hall or in a side lounge; guests over 21 can buy refreshments there. Don’t assume there’s a full restaurant kitchen, but there is usually a commercial kitchen area behind the scenes. At events like volunteer expos, they even serve simple items like hot dogs and soda to attendees (edentonsociallight.com). If you have food allergies or expect to munch, check event announcements – some allow pre-ordering meals, and cold snacks or coffee might be available during longer functions.

Restrooms are located inside the building (one set in each of the halls). They are standard public restrooms (often at the back of the hall); one can expect basic facilities for both men and women. (There may not be luxury amenities like hand dryers or baby-changing stations, but small children and families have access.) There is no formal coat or bag check – typically guests just keep coats at their table or on a coat rack along the wall. The floor is usually smooth cement or finished wood, so wear comfortable shoes (heels can be tricky on a dance floor, for example). Mobile phone reception inside is generally okay on the major carriers; if you need to make a call or text, the signal usually holds. Wi-Fi is not provided for visitors, so rely on mobile data. Lastly, expect a relaxed, respectful tone: military decorum is common but not enforced on guests, so casual dress (jeans, polos, casual dresses) is the norm unless the event specifies formal attire.

Nearby Amenities

The American Legion Building is a bit outside downtown Edenton, but a short drive or stroll brings you into town. Within 1–2 miles you’ll find a variety of restaurants and shops in Edenton’s historic district. In downtown Edenton (roughly 1.5 miles east on Queen Street/Broad Street), popular eateries include 309 Bistro & Spirits for upscale dinner fare, Downtown Roots for modern American food, and Malcolm’s (Edenton Bay Trading) for wine, beer and deli-style snacks. Other nearby options range from an old-fashioned diner and pizza shops to Southern-style seafood spots overlooking the water. For a quick bite before a show, many visitors head to Broad Street’s restaurants: there’s a Corner Bakery for sandwiches and sweets, and some casual joints that serve burgers and seafood platters. For drinks, the Bay Trading Co. beer garden and 309’s bar are local favorites. If you arrive early, you might enjoy strolling Edenton’s charming waterfront and historic sites (the Cupola House or colonial courthouse) before heading to the event.

Hotels and lodging near the Post are conveniently located. The Hampton Inn Edenton (six minutes down W. Queen St) offers modern rooms and even a small meeting space for about 75 people (visitedenton.com). Closer to downtown, the Inner Banks Inn (a restored Victorian B&B) provides historic charm for overnight guests. There’s also the Bayview Plaza and a few motels near US-17 for budget stays. If you’re coming from out of the area for a night event, booking the Hampton Inn or a downtown hotel is wise, as Edenton has few restaurants open late. Public parking in town is plentiful, but on show nights ride-sharing isn’t very common – if you plan to drink, consider staying overnight.

Plan to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before an event. For a dinner or dance, that gives you time to find parking, check in and grab a good seat. If you plan dinner downtown first, consider making a reservation (especially on weekends) and allow extra drive time. Late at night, taxi service is sparse, so have a ride plan. Edenton is quiet after dark, so if your event ends late, walking back to a hotel near the Post is safer than wandering downtown. Overall, the neighborhood feels very safe, but normal event precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowded areas, and follow any posted rules (for example, no alcohol outside the building).

What Makes This Venue Special

The American Legion Building stands out because it combines small-town heritage with community spirit. Architecturally it’s humble – just a sturdy mid-century meeting hall – but its story is rich. It’s literally the birthplace of the modern Chowan County Fair (created under the Legion’s guidance in 1947) (www.chowanfair.com). Every aspect of the space reflects veteran-centered tradition: from its name (honoring Lieutenant Edward G. Bond, an Edenton WWI veteran) to the commemorative displays along its walls. The Show Barn (an old farm barn converted in 1985) (www.chowanfair.com) and the larger exhibit hall (added in 1989) (www.chowanfair.com) are often filled with 4-H livestock shows or local pageants during fair week, and such events spill into year-round use. In other words, this venue is special because it is woven into the cultural fabric of Edenton – it’s where soldiers met after wars, and where neighbors still gather for charity breakfasts and festivals. It may not be Hollywood-glamorous, but visiting it feels like joining a long-standing local tradition. Many fans love it for the friendly atmosphere and the way a performance or meeting here feels personal and “of the community.” Artists and speakers also appreciate its solid, no-nonsense stage: while not a major concert hall, it’s one of the few mid-sized indoor venues in the region, with a full soundcheck and veteran audience. In short, the venue’s historic roots in the American Legion and the county fair, combined with its continued role as a cornerstone of Edenton’s civic life, are what make it truly special to locals and veterans alike.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The American Legion Building is generally wheelchair accessible. Both halls are on the ground floor, and at least one main entrance has a gentle concrete ramp or level threshold. The restrooms inside are standard sizes; while not brand-new ADA facilities, they should accommodate mobility devices. If you have specific accessibility needs (e.g. seating for a scooter), call ahead to ensure arrangements can be made. Service animals are always welcome; however, pets (other than certified service dogs) are not allowed inside.

What to Bring/Not Bring: Dress is casual—jeans or khakis are fine for the audience. If you’re coming to an evening event, arrive warm or bring a light jacket: the halls are air-conditioned in summer but can be on the chilly side with doors opening. For meal events, bring cash if you plan to buy refreshments at the bar or raffle tickets, since not all fundraisers accept cards. Outside food and coolers are discouraged, as most events have food service. You may bring a camera or phone for photos, but big camera bags or tripods are not necessary; flash photography rules depend on the event (usually OK for personal use). Smoking and vaping are prohibited indoors by law; there are designated smoking spots outside the building. Pregame on your own, if needed, because once the event starts, doors may be locked (the management won’t typically let you leave and re-enter later). Also, double-check if the posted event is family-friendly (some Fund-raiser dances may be 21+), though most church or charity events welcome all ages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: The biggest mistake is underestimating how popular city events can be. For big dinners or community programs, the small parking lot can fill up, so show up early. Another pitfall is confusing this building with other veteran halls – remember this one as “Post 40 Fairgrounds” to avoid going to, say, a downtown lodge by mistake. Also, neither valet nor public restrooms outside the venue exist, so plan bathroom breaks beforehand. Some first-time visitors don’t realize the Post Bar closes before the event ends, so if you want a drink, get it early. Likewise, bring an ID if attending an evening function with a cash bar. If in doubt about dress or exact location, call ahead on the Post phone (252-482-4057) or ask a local – Edenton residents know "the Legion hall off Queen Street.”

Insider Tips: For recurring events (like the spring Fish Fry or summer dinners), find a contact there and add them to your call list. Many regulars actually book tables months in advance. If you plan to speak or perform, remember the way acoustics bounce: a simple PA or microphone check is advised. And finally, don’t skip the local color – before or after your event at the Legion hall, stop by the downtown Edenton Coffeehouse or 309 Bistro (both are favorite local spots) to get a true feel for the community that gathers here. In short, come prepared to mingle, support a good cause, and enjoy the genuinely warm Southern hospitality that makes the American Legion Building more than just a hall, but a hub of Edenton life.

Frequently Asked Questions