AUBURN - Fish dinners and Friday evenings simply seem to go together.

For the past several weeks that has been proving true as the dining hall of the Carnicelli-Indelicato American Legion Post 1776 on Genesee Street in Auburn has been packing them in every Friday night as a fundraiser for the newly resurrected Purple lancers Drum & Bugle Corps.

“It has been growing steadily,” said Sam Giangreco, the vice president of public relations for the Purple Lancers. “This is the fourth week we've been doing this and it has been growing by word of mouth. I think that has had a lot to do with this and I think a lot of people just want to come out and support a good cause.”

Giangreco said that at one time the Purple Lancers were a literal marching representation of the pride of Auburn, competing with other drum and bugle corps across the central New York region and marching in parades throughout the year.

“When they marched down the street it was a rumbling, bug sound,” Giangreco said. “They really gave this community something to be proud of and they represented the pride of Auburn wherever they went to compete or perform.”

Over the years, the corps dissipated, but as of Aug. 10, the corps has been revived.

“We want to bring that pride back,” Giangreco said. “The C-I Post here was the original sponsor of the corp and the idea has been kicking around for a few years to bring it back. We had a meeting and the interest was there and we started recruiting people and we have been building from there.”

Giangreco said that the corp is growing steadily with the support of area percussionists and brass players of all ages.

“It doesn't matter how old or young you are,” Giangreco said. “Nobody gets turned away here. As long as you have the chops to play, we want you here. Everybody is welcome who wants to play and be a part of this. We've got a lot of kids, people from 13 all the way up. One of the goals here is to give the kids in the high school band something to do so even after they get out of school they can keep using those talents.”

With the help of Auburn drum instructor John Dare, the drummers will begin practicing soon.

But to get a drum corps up and running takes a lot of money, money for equipment and uniforms.

To help offset costs, things like the Friday night fish dinners have been put into place.

“We've been doing a lot of things,” Giangreco said. “Our goal is to raise about $100,000 for uniforms and equipment.

Guests on Fridays have a choice of fried or broiled fish as well as salad and ziti.

“I think it is the good food,” Giangreco said. “People come here and they get a good meal and good food in a nice atmosphere. I think that is a big draw.”

Some supporters, like Frank Nardella, of Auburn were once members of the Purple Lancers and are eager to see it make a return.

“I was in it after I got out of the service,” Nardella said. “I was in it from about ‘47 to ‘57. It was good. I'm really glad to see they are doing this and are trying to get it going again. I think it will be good for the community and good for the kids, too.”

Fundraising efforts will continue, as the Purple Lancers reach out to the community and businesses, and they are determined to get the group up and running this spring.

“We want to be ready for the Memorial Day parade,” Giangreco said.

“That is the big thing that we'd like to do and that we plan to have this ready for to be able to be a part of this year.”

How to help

What: Fish dinner fundraisers for the Purple Lancers

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays

Where: American Legion Post, Genesee Street, Auburn

To learn more: Anyone interested in more information on joining or supporting the Purple Lancers can visit

www.cialpost1776.com or call Joe Gagliano at 729-7367