Des Plaines Ikes to host annual Pig Roast and Picnic Aug.11

The Des Plaines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America will hold its annual Pig Roast and Picnic on Sunday, Aug. 11, at 1841 S. River Road, in Des Plaines. The gates will open at noon and food is usually served starting around 2 p.m. The event is open to the public.

In addition to food, the event includes raffles, kids’ games, a cash bar and roasted sweet corn.

“The pig roast is a relatively new event for our 100 year old club, by which I mean it’s 20 years old,” says event chair Joe Gallo. “We try to cater to the kids as much as we can. This is geared toward families. Kids enjoy our donut-eating contest, kids’ games and the pinata.”

The Pig Roast and Picnic are held on the grounds of the historic Jefferson House, 1841 S. River Road, in Des Plaines, which has been home to the Des Plaines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League since 1929, three years after the chapter’s founding in 1926.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for kids 6-12 and are available for sale online at www.iwla-desplaines.org (look under Events), by asking a member, or by calling (847) 824-4509.

As membership grows, the Ikes (as the league is affectionately known) like to share their interests in conservation, ecology and air, water, land and wildlife preservation with others. The chapter is looking forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Those interested in learning more about the club’s work are welcome to attend any business meeting, held at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the club’s meeting place, the historic Jefferson House, 1841 S. River Road, Des Plaines.