Thanks for the input! Yes, I did go 3 weeks in row- I didn't go this past week because I'm not very experienced driving in treacherous weather that they were expecting.
The anxiety is still there, but it did subside from one week to the next. And I went to the American Legion about 20 miles north of my town, so nobody knew me- whereas, the one in town, some folks would know me.

I try to commit myself to social things that I feel totally uncomfortable with. I end up dreading those events for days in advance. Then I go and actually enjoy them. Maybe we have to face our anxieties to overcome them. I am glad you went

I go to meetups (meetup.com) a lot. There, you realize that introverts and extroverts alike feel equally uncomfortable walking into a group of people they don't know! I have always felt welcomed into groups quickly, probably because of the nature of these types of groups. They are open to 'everyone' and everyone knows exactly how hard it is to walk into that first meeting where you don't know anybody, so everyone is super welcoming.

It has helped me overcome a lot of my social anxiety, I've made some nice friends, and have reasons to get out of the house! I even started my own meetup for my son because he was jealous that I had a social life and he didn't. Now he has two best friends from the experience (he has aspergers) and it has been life changing for him.

I would have had anxiety as well. But I don't know much about the American Legion. Do you have to be a veteran to participate in events there? That would have been a major stumbling block for me, the "am I allowed?" question.

It IS hard to go to something where you don't know anyone else. An activity or common interest makes it easier to make conversation with people. Having low expectations also helps. You can't be disappointed if you don't wish for anything in particular. When I DO go to new events where I don't know anyone, I try to develop a series of questions that facilitate communication (and that take the focus OFF of me, which reduces anxiety). I don't feel quite so anxious if I have a way to have some control over what happens.

There are several key questions: Would you go again? It will be easier the second, and subsequent, times. Will your anxiety be less? You will have some familiarity with the people who are likely to be there. But the most important factor is, did you have FUN? If you did, then that is what matters. (and there's online euchre for the days when the lake effect snow keeps you inside)