By Todd Berkey
tberkey@tribdem.com
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. â American Legion Post 294 can sell about 900 hot dogs and 300 pounds of French fries, along with drinks, during the cityâs annual Thunder in the Valley motorcycle rally.
So when the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced the rallyâs cancellation last June, the post lost what Commander Chuck Arnone called its economic âlifebloodâ â used to meet the needs of veterans, maintain its property and support local nonprofits.
The money-making bar on Main Street in Johnstown was also either closed or limited in capacity and hours due to Pennsylvania mitigation guidelines meant to slow the spread of the virus. Arnone said the pandemic âreduced our net worth by 75%,â which he described as a âharrowingâ situation.