West Bend, WI. – After decades of serving thousands of steak dinners while raising money for community causes, the West Bend Noon Kiwanis has found a new organization willing to carry on one of the longest-running fundraising traditions.
West Bend Baseball Association Takes Over “Steak in the Park,” Keeping 48 Year Community Tradition Alive Event set for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Regner Park; proceeds to benefit the West Bend Baseball Association WEST BEND, WI — After 47 successful years running the popular “Steak in the Park,” the West Bend Noon Kiwanis Club has passed the torch to the West Bend Baseball Association (WBBA), which will host the 48th annual event and future editions moving forward. This year’s Steak in the Park will take place Tuesday, September 15, at Regner Park, with serving from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available in advance at Barton’s Small Engine, Horicon Bank (Paradise Dr.), Jeff’s Spirits on Main, Jumbo’s, Piggly Wiggly (E. Washington St.), and West Bend Elevator. The evening will include raffles, music, and a menu built around a Black Angus Choice ribeye steak sandwich. “I think as important as raising funds for worthy causes is, it is equally important that my generation and future generations find ways to keep these great long standing community events alive,” said Craig Larsen, Co-Organizer and WBBA Secretary. Larsen noted that the WBBA gave the event a modest refresh while honoring its roots. “We took a traditional community event and tried to give it a slight refresh, something that resembles more of a ballpark or tailgate experience,” he said. In place of the traditional steak, baked potato and side salad, this year’s menu features a ribeye steak sandwich, choice of french fries or onion rings, a cob of sweet corn, and a fresh or frozen custard sundae. WBBA President Willie Mueller said the organization is honored to carry the event forward. “The WBBA is grateful that the Noon Kiwanis Club asked us to take over their event. I’ve been to almost every one of these Steak in the Parks since I retired from professional baseball. This event has been a pillar of the community since the late 1970s, and we hope that this is something we can help keep rolling along for years to come.” Co-Organizer and WBBA Director Jeff Szukalski praised the club’s speed and determination in pulling the event together. “We are taking a popular and successful community event that raises thousands of dollars for worthy causes, and giving it to an organization that always figures it out,” Szukalski said. “The WBBA got their hands on this event in July, so to put together an event of this magnitude in such a short amount of time shows the type of dedication there is on the WBBA, and why the Noon Kiwanis Club felt comfortable handing this off.” Larsen also credited the community partners who helped make the transition possible. ”
“Also to Nic Novaczyk and the West Bend Power Hockey team. We identified early on that volunteers were going to be the biggest challenge getting this event done right, but Nic immediately offered up the Power Hockey roster, and all of a sudden that’s 25 volunteers right there.”
Steak in the Park has run continuously since the late 1970s, with the only interruption coming in 2020 due to COVID-19. The majority of this year’s proceeds will benefit the West Bend Baseball Association. About the West Bend Baseball Association The West Bend Baseball Association is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2003. WBBA is committed to preserving West Bend’s fine baseball tradition by promoting and supporting youth, high school, and adult baseball in our community. The Association is honored to partner with the NCBA and the City of West Bend/Visit West Bend to bring this prestigious regional tournament to our community
The annual Steak in the Park event is September 18, 2026, under the direction of the West Bend Baseball Association (WBBA), with longtime supporters Jeff Szukalski of Jeff’s Spirits and Jeff Kern from Jumbo’s helping make the transition.
“We’re going to serve a Black Angus Ribeye steak sandwich,” Mueller said. “Along with French fries or onion rings, sweet corn and ice cream. Beer will also be available for purchase.”
Mueller credited Jeff Kern from Jumbo’s Frozen Custard with helping supply the buns and other food items, while Jeff Szukalski of Jeff’s Spirits has been instrumental in organizing the effort. Mueller said community sponsorships will be key to making the event successful.
The Baseball Association plans to continue holding the event at Regner Park, using the park pavilions much like the Kiwanis has done for years.
Mueller said the goal extends beyond raising money. “We’re just going to keep it going,” he said.
Tickets are on sale now for $30 at West Bend area businesses including Horicon Bank, Jumbo’s Frozen Custard, and West Bend Elevator.
