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 — along with bottled water — during Storm Lake’s July 3-4 Independence Day celebration. The group says it’s their way of supporting one of northwest Iowa’s 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 year’s Star Spangled Spectacular coincides with America’s 250th anniversary and ties into the National Pork Board’s “Taste What Pork Can Do” campaign, which highlights pork’s 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.
Iowa’s pork industry remains a major economic driver in Buena Vista County, supporting more than 2,000 jobs and generating more than $255 million in value‑added activity. The Iowa Pork Producers Association is helping fund this weekend’s giveaway through its County Co‑Op Program.
The Buena Vista County Pork Producers say they’re looking forward to serving the community once again as Storm Lake celebrates Independence Day along the lakefront.
