Spring is just around the corner in Tompkins County, and that means the return of a favorite local tradition,Rotary chicken barbeques. The Ithaca Rotary Club is kicking off the 2026 season with a community fundraiser on Saturday, March 28, at the Bob Baker Pavilion on Route 34B near the Lansing ball fields.
With the help of Dave Hatfield Catering, Rotarians will be serving up freshly prepared barbeque chicken dinners to raise funds for the club’s Community Grants Program, which supports nonprofit organizations serving people throughout Tompkins County.
The event will run from 11:00 a.m. until sold out, and community members are encouraged to stop by early, grab a meal, and help support local nonprofits.
A Meal That Supports the Community
For many local residents, a Rotary chicken barbeque is more than just a great meal, it’s a chance to directly support programs that make a difference in the community.
This year’s menu includes a hearty dinner of half a barbequed chicken, potatoes, baked beans, and a cookie for $12. Guests who just want the chicken can also purchase a half chicken for $10.
Meals will be take-out only, making it easy for people to stop by, pick up lunch for themselves or their families, and continue their day while supporting an important cause.
Rotarians and volunteers will be on hand throughout the event to keep the line moving and ensure everyone leaves with a warm meal and a smile.
Supporting Nonprofits Across Tompkins County
All proceeds from the chicken barbeque will go toward the Ithaca Rotary Club’s Community Grants Program, an initiative that provides funding to local nonprofit organizations working to improve life in Tompkins County.
Each year, the club sets aside funds to support projects that serve community needs from food security and youth programs to arts, education, and social services.
The need for these resources continues to grow. In 2025, the Ithaca Rotary Club distributed approximately $15,000 in grants to support the work of 11 nonprofit organizations. That funding helped expand programs, provide essential services, and strengthen the safety net for many residents across the county.
However, the demand for support is significant. Last year alone, 41 organizations applied for Rotary Community Grants, demonstrating just how many groups are working hard to serve the community and how important additional funding can be.
Fundraisers like the Rotary chicken barbeque help bridge that gap. Every meal purchased contributes to the club’s ability to invest in local organizations that are doing meaningful work throughout the region.
Why Bob Baker Fields Is the Perfect Place for a Chicken BBQ
Hosting the Rotary Chicken BBQ at the Bob Baker Pavilion in Lansing is especially fitting because of Bob Baker’s deep connection to the chicken barbecue tradition in Tompkins County.
Dr. Robert C. Baker, a Cornell University food scientist who lived in Lansing, helped popularize what is now known as “Cornell Chicken.” In the 1950s, Baker developed a vinegar-based barbecue chicken recipe and cooking method through Cornell Cooperative Extension to help promote poultry consumption. The recipe quickly spread across Upstate New York.
Community groups, from fire departments to civic organizations, began using Baker’s method to host large outdoor chicken barbeques as fundraisers. Over time, these events became a beloved regional tradition and a staple of community life throughout the Finger Lakes.
Holding the Ithaca Rotary Club’s fundraiser at Bob Baker Fields continues that legacy. It’s a fitting way to celebrate the local history of chicken barbeques while bringing the community together to support local nonprofits.
A Rotary Tradition
Chicken barbeques have long been a staple of community life across the Finger Lakes. They bring neighbors together, support local causes, and give volunteers an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and serve.
For the Ithaca Rotary Club, these events are also a chance to connect with the community and share the spirit of service that drives Rotary’s mission.
Club members will be volunteering throughout the day helping with setup, serving meals, and greeting community members who stop by the pavilion. It’s a reminder that Rotary’s work is powered by people who care deeply about their community and are committed to making a difference.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Rotary Community Grants Program is as easy as picking up lunch.
On Saturday, March 28, stop by the Bob Baker Pavilion on Route 34B in Lansing anytime after 11:00 a.m. and grab a chicken barbeque dinner. Meals are available until sold out, so arriving early is recommended.
Whether you’re feeding your family, bringing lunch back to the office, or simply looking for a delicious meal on a Saturday afternoon, your purchase will help support local nonprofits and the important services they provide.
About the Ithaca Rotary Club
The Ithaca Rotary Club is part of a global network of service-oriented organizations dedicated to community service, humanitarian projects, and fellowship among business and professional leaders.
Through volunteer work, fundraising, and community partnerships, the club works to strengthen Tompkins County and support initiatives that improve the lives of local residents.
And if you’re hungry for some great barbeque while supporting a great cause, mark your calendar for March 28 and come see the Ithaca Rotary Club in Lansing.