A celebration dinner that dates back over 90 years returns Saturday in Sturgeon Bay.  Once considered a “bon voyage” to the fishermen on steamboats that headed out on the Great Lakes, the Steamboat Dinner will be hosted by the H.S. Barid Masonic Lodge.  The annual Steamboat Dinner has evolved over the years and has donated and delivered over 13,000 meals to those in need over the past 33 years.  Freemason member and Chef Geoff Pinney says the work to provide the traditional meals starts well in advance of Saturday’s distribution of meals.  He notes that this year, with the help of community partners and over 70 volunteers, 1250  families in Door, Kewaunee, and Brown counties will receive meals.

Pinney adds that proceeds from the Steamboat Dinner support community charity and outreach, including donating fire suppression tools to local fire and police departments.    

Although the Masonic Lodge's dining room has been closed for public dinners since 2020, remaining unsold tickets are available for curbside pickup of the prepackaged meals from 3:00 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

You can listen to the podcast interview with Geoff Pinney here.