South Beloit Lions Club partners with Dari Ripple to host first-annual community corn roast
Proceeds go on to benefit a wide range of community organizations
The South Beloit Lions Club, in partnership with the Dari Ripple, hosted its first annual Corn Roast on Saturday, August 23, bringing food, music, and family fun to the community. Proceeds from the event will go on to help plan future events and support local organizations.
The event was held next to the Dari Ripple, which Lions member and event organizer Jerry Miller said was the perfect location to launch what he hopes will become a growing tradition. “We wanted to start out small and have it grow year to year,” Miller explained, noting that planning for the roast had been in the works since February.
Guests enjoyed freshly roasted sweet corn, brats, and donuts from the apple while live music set the tone for the day. Performers included an offshoot of the Beloit Memorial Jazz Band, the Samuel Caiola Trio, and 13-year-old solo vocalist and guitar player Presley Strasser. Strasser, who has been singing karaoke with her mother since age three, impressed the crowd with a set that mixed rock, country, and classics from artists such as Chris Stapleton, Radiohead, the Cranberries, Elvis, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Families also found plenty to keep kids entertained, from a prize station run by Sean Weinberg to activities organized by Lions Club volunteers.
For many, the event was a welcome addition to the local calendar. “It’s great to have a community event with something to eat, live music, and events for the kids,” said Alicia Peterson, owner of the Dari Ripple and Lions Club member.
The Lions Club plans to continue building on the success of its first corn roast in the years ahead. In the meantime, the group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the South Beloit Businessmen’s Hall. “Come and join us,” members encourage.
