Legends Pub is not like other bars. It’s a home away from home, a safe place in troubled times, a support network and a watering hole for the friendliest and most generous bikers you are likely to ever meet. “On average it takes me 15 minutes to get a drink. Not because of bad service — by no means. It takes me that long to say hi and share the hugs,” said Legends Pub Owner Holly Whitley. “So if we need four hugs a day for survival and eight hugs a day for maintenance and we need 12 hugs a day for growth, the average customer at Legends should be good.”

There is always something going on at Legends Pub and oftentimes that something is a fundraiser or other event to help a person in need or to support a nonprofit in the community. While the situations the fundraisers seek to remedy are often dire, the events are always high-spirited and filled with laughter. Whitley is the owner of the place but she credits her friends and customers for the great things that the group has accomplished over the past two decades. On June 6-8, Legends Pub is set to celebrate its 18th Annual Spring Fling. It is the biggest benefit of the year and something the community always comes out to support.

“The care and concern for others has always been a big part of my little bar tucked off Bragg Boulevard. I knew at the first Spring Fling what kind of people would come here to share their lives helping others,” said Whitley. “This place has a purpose. We’re family. Last year alone we raised more than $54,000 for our community. Kidsville News! was our heart for Spring Fling last year. We even had a visit from Truman the Dragon. This year it is for one of our own.”

Caroline Montague was recently diagnosed with stage-3 lung cancer. “I’ve known her for years and we were blessed to have her join our staff here at Legends a year ago,” said Whitley. “She is such a kind lady — so there was no question where we would direct the venue for 2014.”

Three days of frolicking and fun doesn’t happen without preparation and hard work. This is where the Legends Pub family shines. They knows how to roll up their sleeves and come together to create a memorable event.

“I could have never done any of this on my own. The support and volunteers have been amazing. Working with Trent by my side for 15 years along with Priscilla — talk about someone special. The time and effort she has put into keeping me organized is amazing.

“Mike has cooked thousands of pounds of pork and constructed more cornhole games than I can count. Axel — I can’t even count the times he’s jumped up to help. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to know each and every one of my friends,” said Whitley.

“And Shirley, wow, I remember the first time I met her she was hiding behind the big tree wondering what she was getting herself into. Ann, Dee, Carol and so many others are always stepping up to the plate. If I’ve heard it once from these girls, I’ve heard it 1,000 times — ‘What ya need?’ With such unencumbered passion and enthusiasm they all help so many in our community on a regular basis.”

To say that Legends feels like family is true; in fact, for Whitley it is a family affair. Whitley’s daughter Christy has learned from watching the pros around her what it means to give. Whitley’s love for her daughter is apparent when she talks about what Christy means to her. “She has worked so hard at her own job and always stepped up at Legends to do what was needed. She is my heart, my dear daughter. She and J.D. have always supported every adventured I have endured. Sometimes rolling their eyes at me, but still I’ve always been able to know they both had my back. I love them both.”

With this kind of dedication, it is no wonder that the Gypsy Women’s Spring Fling has been going strong for close to 20 years. The fun starts on Friday evening with pizza and a pool tournament. On Saturday, the Scott Sather Memorial Poker Run kicks things off. The first bike rolls out at noon. At the end of the ride, enjoy a pig pickin’ and an auction.

The auctions at Legends are always great fun.

“Do you remember the singing fish that people would hang on the wall? They were popular several years ago,” said Axel Rehme, one of Whitley’s friends and part of the Legends Pub family. “Holly’s been auctioning that thing off for years. It always goes for $100 or more and then, Flea, that’s who usually wins it, will donate it right back for next year’s auction. The fun is in the bidding.”

The Spring Fling continues on Sunday with a bike show, a cook out and a bike rodeo. There is a bike drawing on Sunday, too. For $50, get a ticket that entitles the winner of the drawing to a 2002 Softail Deuce. Only 250 tickets are available.

Call 867-2364 to find out more about the Gypsy Women’s Spring Fling.

Photos:Middle right; This year’s Spring Fling benefits Caroline Montague. Lower left; Holly Whitley (r) and her daughter Christy (l).