Lions Barbecue Moves to Amagansett
In 1968, according to an account that appeared in The East Hampton Star, the East Hampton Lions Club once again held its annual chicken barbecue. That year, the members cooked 800 chickens on 32-foot-long barbecue pits, serving 1,500 guests.
Forty-nine years later, the Lions Club is still using the same equipment as it did in 1968, but has scaled back somewhat. Organizers expect to grill 400 chickens to feed 1,000 people at what will be its 64th annual barbecue, at the Amagansett American Legion this Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. Not everyone who attends eats chicken, organizers said.
Founded in 1949, the East Hampton Lions Club has raised money to help local residents with health issues and sight impairment. Recently the club has provided modular handicapped ramps for the disabled and a new vision-screening program. It sponsors blood drives and fund guide dog training and supports Southampton Hospital, East Hampton Little League, the East Hampton RECenter, the Jack Williams Book Scholarship, and the food pantry, where any leftover food from Saturday's barbecue will be donated.
The chicken barbecue is the local club's biggest event of the year, and all 49 members are expected to show up. Tina Piette, the club president said, "The annual BBQ is the longest running fund-raiser of the East Hampton Lions Club, and we are truly grateful that the community has supported this event for the past 63 years."
Usually the barbecue is held in conjunction with the Ladies Village Improvement Society Fair in East Hampton; the American Legion grounds in Amagansett can accommodate more people and has better parking. Tickets will be sold at the gate.
In addition to chicken — slathered with a sauce whose ingredients are closely held secret — there will be corn, clams on the half shell, watermelon, potatoes, sausage and peppers, clam chowder, water, soda, beer, and wine. There will be face painting for the kids and live folk music.
In 1968, the half-chicken dinners cost $3; tickets this year are $20 each.