The Rotary Club of Southwick’s Bob Fox announced that tickets for the club’s annual steak roast are now available. Tickets for the roast, which will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, are $35.
Reminder Publishing file photo
SOUTHWICK — The way Bob Fox tells it, the Rotary Club of Southwick’s Annual Steak Roast is an event that creates lasting memories every September.
“Just think about the wonderful smell of ribeye steaks roasting with 20 people standing around the firepit at the American Legion and enjoying a great time,” said Fox. “There’s just nothing like it.”
And the ribeyes are the stars of the event that’s been going on for over 20 years, so many years, in fact, that even Fox is not sure how many.
“We only get the highest quality ribeye steaks,” he said.
And at the steak roast, starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, there’s no complaining about the chef.
“You cook it like you want it. That’s what makes this so much fun,” he said.
In addition to the steak, there’s corn on the cob, potato salad, cakes, and two drink tickets that can be used for beer or for a mixer. It’s all available at Legion Post 338 off Powder Mill Road.
The vegetables are homegrown and provided by Blossoming Acres Farm, Calabrese Farm and Ray’s Family Farm.
The $35 tickets include all that plus the free memories.
Those wanting a ticket can call Fox at 413-569-5962.
“If you don’t have a ticket, that’s fine. We’ll have plenty at the door,” he said.
Fox said the event started over 20 years ago as the Ecumenical Steak Roast.
“Back then, if you didn’t know somebody, you weren’t getting a ticket and not going,” he said.
That was one of the reasons the Rotary Club continued the tradition when the ecumenical association ended it.
As many may have noticed, the price of the roast hasn’t changed in several years.
“We’re trying the best we can to keep it at that price so people can afford it. That’s the important thing,” he said.
And with beef prices what they are today, that makes it tough, he said.
In addition to the food, there will be a raffle with an assortment of locally sourced items and gift cards.
While those ribeyes are cooking, there will be live entertainment.
Fox said the entertainer from last year’s event is unable to perform, which means someone new will.
For those who would prefer not to cook, Fox said all the food could be taken home, including the uncooked ribeye.
“We make these meals to travel. We will have to-go containers,” he said.
The Rotary Club of Southwick provides funding for scholarships and other programs around town through several major fundraisers during the year.
The steak roast is not one of those.
“We’re just trying to break even,” he said.
Last year, there were over two dozen ribeyes left after the roast, and one person bought them all.
“He put us into the black,” Fox said.
However, if the event makes money, all of it is used to support community projects and annual scholarships.
For more information, visit facebook.com/southwickrotaryclub or call Fox at 413-569-5962.
