Police Lodge Hosting Fish and Sports Show to Benefit Community

Calling all fishing and sports enthusiasts: The local police lodge is set to hold its annual Fish and Sports Show benefiting Evergreen Park’s school and community programs.

Headed by Evergreen Park Police Department Detective Phillip Rizzo, Evergreen Park Lodge No. 27’s annual Fish and Sports Show will be held at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., in Merrionette Park from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday.

“This enables us to sponsor Evergreen Park Athletic Association, baseball teams, scholarship funds for the high school, boys club, girl's softball team,” Rizzo said, “all types of kid-related and community-related events."

For a $20 advance donation or $25 donation at the door, participants can enjoy a full buffet, draft beer, wine, soda, raffles, prizes, guest speakers and the opportunity to visit sporting vendors from across the country, one from Canada.

Rizzo, the lodge president, who’s been an active member since 1981, said the event draws attendees from across the Southland. Some participants include the United States Coast Guard, Wisconsin-based Hidden Paradise Hunting Club, and Frances, KY-based Longbeards and Whitetails, which specializes in archery, muzzleloaders and modern firearms. Additionally, Shabu Wilderness Outpost from Ontario, Canada will be there, as well as Confusion Charters, located just off of Lake Michigan in Downtown Chicago.

Businesses from Evergreen Park and surrounding communities support the yearly event.

"(Some) of our biggest supporters (are) Texas Roadhouse from Tinley Park, from Evergreen Park, and ," Rizzo said.

Although the lodge has one fundraiser a year, Rizzo said the group also is able to support a number of different charities, veteran and police-oriented organizations.

Advance tickets are on sale at the , 9240 S. Kedzie Ave., until the start of the event.