Two summertime favorites return to City Park, serving up delicious meals and meaningful community impact
These summer food events do more than fill your plate. The Clear Lake Lions Club and Clear Lake Evening Lions Club serve up crowd-pleasing community meals each summer while raising funds for local scholarships, youth programs, and service projects that strengthen North Iowa.
Clear Lake Lions Chicken BBQ
Sunday, July 20, 2025 • 10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (or until sold out)
City Park, Clear Lake, Iowa
There’s nothing quite like that secret-recipe grilled chicken—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. This long-running summer tradition includes a $12 meal featuring a half chicken, coleslaw, roll, cookie, and beverage. It’s a Clear Lake summer classic for a reason.
“The annual chicken BBQ has been going on for over 50 years now (we think this is the 51st). The club has a secret sauce they’ve used since the beginning. We normally serve about 4,000 chicken meals. In 2024, we served 3,616,” said club spokesperson Brad Kunst. “We have a very efficient drive-thru that usually serves over 50% of the meals for those who don’t want to stand in line in the park.”
Clear Lake Evening Lions Hamburger & Sweet Corn Feed
Sunday, August 17, 2025 • 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (or until sold out)
City Park, Clear Lake, Iowa
Sweet corn season meets backyard barbecue at this casual and delicious community event. Enjoy a 1/3 lb grilled hamburger with all the fixings, delicious Iowa sweet corn, and a cookie.
Advance tickets: $12 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under.
“The event requires virtually all our members and the help of the high school cheerleaders and the Nickerson family to make it happen,” said club spokesperson Jeff Tecklenburg. “We serve about 1,200 people. We see it as a community builder as well as a fundraiser, so we put up six large tents that provide a shady spot for interacting with family, friends, and new acquaintances. Food and fellowship in the beautiful City Park!”
️ Purchase advance tickets for both events at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s temporary location, 306 Main Avenue. We accept cash or check.
Get Involved: Join a Clear Lake Lions Club
Both Lions Clubs are always looking for new members to help continue their mission of community service in Clear Lake, Iowa. If you’re looking for a way to give back and meet like-minded people, consider joining:
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Clear Lake Lions
Meet Wednesdays at Noon at the Clear Lake VFW -
Clear Lake Evening Lions
Meet the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Clear Lake VFW