Pork is powering patriotism in Storm Lake this week, with local producers grilling 2,000 free burgers for the Star Spangled Spectacular.
The Buena Vista County Pork Producers will hand out the free pork burgers â along with bottled water â during Storm Lakeâs July 3-4 Independence Day celebration. The group says itâs their way of supporting one of northwest Iowaâs biggest holiday traditions.
Mitch Sievers with the Pork Producers says the giveaway is about bringing people together and celebrating the values that make Buena Vista County strong.
This yearâs Star Spangled Spectacular coincides with Americaâs 250th anniversary and ties into the National Pork Boardâs âTaste What Pork Can Doâ campaign, which highlights porkâs versatility and its role in gathering people around the table.
The Buena Vista County Pork Producers stay active far beyond the Fourth of July. This year, the group has donated more than 400 pounds of pork to local food pantries, supported Ag in the Classroom programs, visited schools to teach students about modern agriculture, awarded more than $9,000 in scholarships and volunteered at community events across the county. They also assisted neighboring communities during the 2024 floods by providing meals and support.
Iowaâs pork industry remains a major economic driver in Buena Vista County, supporting more than 2,000 jobs and generating more than $255 million in valueâadded activity. The Iowa Pork Producers Association is helping fund this weekendâs giveaway through its County CoâOp Program.
The Buena Vista County Pork Producers say theyâre looking forward to serving the community once again as Storm Lake celebrates Independence Day along the lakefront.
