South Beloit Lions Club fires up the grills for 2nd annual corn roast fundraiser
29 August 2026 from 11-5 at the Dari Ripple in South Beloit. New to this year's event: Mustang's beer tent, South Beloit Fire Department showing kids around a fire truck (they get to shoot the hose!), and 101.9 FM live broadcasting
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 29th: the South Beloit Lions Club is bringing the community together for its 2nd Annual Corn Roast at Dari Ripple (108 S. Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit). Starting at 11:00 AM and running until 5:00 PM (or later, depending on the crowd), the event promises a full afternoon of delicious food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities—all for a great cause.
According to Lions Club representative Gerald Miller, 100% of all profits raised at the event go directly back into local charities.
"The South Beloit Lions are very proud of all our work and how many lives we touch," Miller shared.
For 80 years, the South Beloit Lions Club has served as a cornerstone of community support, giving up to $20,000 annually to local organizations. Proceeds from events like the Corn Roast fund critical initiatives and community groups, including:
- Lions Center for Sight and Hearing
- Wimpy’s Christmas for Kids Foundation
- South Beloit High School Scholarships
- South Beloit Public Library
- South Beloit Boys & Girls Club
- Rock River Health Care / Hospice
- Goldie B. Floberg Center
How to Spend Your Afternoon
If you are looking to get the most out of your day, Miller offers a quick guide on the ideal schedule:
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Radio Remote & Lunch Preparation: 101.9 FM Iron Country Radio will broadcast live on-site to kick off the festivities.
- 12:30 PM | Grab a Meal & Give Back: Arrive just in time for lunch to enjoy fresh-roasted corn, brats, hot dogs, pork chop sandwiches, and ice cream from Dari Ripple. Right after lunch, roll up a sleeve to support the Rock River Valley Blood Drive, which will be taking blood donations on-site.
- 1:00 PM | Live Music & Refreshments: Unfold your lawn chair and settle in for live music by local favorite Over the Limit, playing from 1:00 PM into the afternoon. Mustangs Bar & Grill will also operate a beer tent for adult beverages.
Community Booths & Family Fun
Throughout the day, visitors can explore information booths hosted by local organizations, including Vets Roll, R.S.V.P. (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program), the Boys & Girls Club, and the South Beloit Public Library.
Kids will have plenty to keep them entertained:
- South Beloit Fire Department: Children can climb aboard a real fire truck and get hands-on experience spraying a fire hose.
- Sky-Carp Mascot: Poopy, the beloved mascot from the Beloit Sky Carp, will be walking around with his handler greeting fans and handing out information.
- Local Law Enforcement: South Beloit police officers will be on-site to meet and greet community members.
Get Involved
The Lions Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the South Beloit community to join their rank.
"It’s fun to help and make a difference," says Miller.
To learn more about their ongoing projects or how to become a member, stop by one of their regular meetings, held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM at the South Beloit Business Men's Hall.
