On a Saturday in February, the American Legion Post 256 in Canandaigua was taken over. Not by soldiers, but by dinosaurs.

The event, sponsored by CompeerCorps in partnership with the American Legion and Ontario Cares, transformed the post into a prehistoric playground for the afternoon. Families were treated to interactive activities, STEM stations, dino bones to examine, and a presentation from a real paleontologist who brought the ancient world to life. And yes, lunch was served. Dino nuggets, naturally.

“This event was well supported from community partners who came together and put on a great afternoon of STEM-related activities to enjoy,” said Luke Moody, Ontario Cares Veterans Coalition program coordinator, noting how a number of Veterans came out with their grandkids to join in the prehistoric fun.

The collaboration between CompeerCorps, the American Legion, and Ontario Cares is a reminder of what’s possible when community organizations rally around a shared goal, which in this case, was making science exciting and accessible for local families while supporting Veteran connections.