Adams American Legion Post No. 146 is the tops in Mower County.

Post No. 146 won the first-ever “Outstanding Service Organization” award present by the Mower County Agricultural Society’s Fair Board.

Post No. 146 was honored Tuesday night at the first-ever “Pride of Mower County” awards program.

The post’s color guard was given the honor of leading the parade of Mower County veterans organizations earlier Tuesday, when opening ceremonies were held at Fair Square.

Jim Kellogg led the group of veterans: Cliff Kiefer, Marvin Smith, Peewee Landherr, Fred Harvey and George Struthers.

When Tuesday night’s Pride of Mower County awards program was held, no less than 21 members of the post returned to share in the limelight.

State Sen. Dan Sparks presented the award to Dave Allen, who replaced Stuthers as the post’s commander.

Allen, who lives west of Dexter, said the post’s 251 members come from the entire area: Adams, Rose Creek, Taopi, Dexter and Elkton.

Last year, the post distributed more than $14,000 to worthy causes in the area and over $2,300 came from charitable gambling.

Among the post’s members is Dennis Lewisson, Minnesota department vice commander.

Allen praised the work of the Ladies Auxiliary for the many community service activities they pursue.

In addition, he singled out the Sons of the American Legion organization for helping carry out the post’s mission of service to all.

“I want to pay special tribute to our past members, who did so much in previous years as well as to our current members who continue to carry out our mission,” Allen said.

On the 2008 June Dairy Days celebration weekend, the post dedicated its new Armed Forces Museum.

Volunteers from the post — World War II, Korean War and modern day conflicts all stepped forward to create a unique homage to all veterans of all wars.

The communities of Adams, Rose Creek, Taopi, Dexter and Elkton all rallied to assist in the project.

Donations came from far and away as well as close to home.

The memorabilia is now on display at the museum adjacent to Post No. 146’s headquarters along Main Street in Adams.

The post is presently waiting for certification of its non-profit tax-free status, according to Allen.

The new post commander issued a plea to all to consider making a financial donation to help defray expenses to operate the museum and open it to the public.

The post expects to offer an informal military history curriculum to students when the 2008-09 school year begins in September, the commander said.

For more information about assisting the post in helping open the museum to the public, contact any Legion member.