Cooking up an authentic New England clambake is not a culinary task for the inexperienced. But with 36 years of practice, members of the Marion Social Club have figured it out.

The club held its first clambake of the year on Sunday. Two hundred sixty people turned out for the event, which doubles as a fundraiser for the club’s community efforts.

Social Club President John Collins said members limit the number of tickets sold due to the size of the club’s dining room.

“If we wanted to sell 500 tickets, we probably could,” Collins said.

The clambake starts with the gathering of seaweed and large stones. The stones are placed in the center of a pit dug behind the club’s hall at 44 Pumping Station Road. A fire burns until the stones are hot, and then wet seaweed is placed over the stones followed by clams, potatoes, sausage and corn on the cob. On top of it all, a damp canvas tarp captures the steam that cooks the meal.

On Sunday, member and “bake master” Terry Gibbs was honored for 30 years of service in the club.

Collins said Gibbs has orchestrated the clambake – the club’s most popular event – for many years.

“It’s all on him,” Collins said. “He’s been a professional through it all.”

In 1978, the club began as an informal organization and was formally established as a nonprofit in 1986. It supports local causes such as college scholarships, elderly needs, and other matters.

“If someone’s house burns down or if someone is up against something they can’t handle, we help out when we can. We will contribute,” Collins said.

Club members host seven meals throughout the year to fund their efforts. The next meal is scheduled for Sunday, July 13 and will feature a chicken barbecue dinner for $12.

Looking ahead, the group of volunteers hopes to attract new members.

Collins said of the club’s 20 volunteers only two are younger than 60 years old.

“We’re getting ready for a big turnover, but we need more people,” said Collins, who has been a member for 20 years.

“We’re all volunteers,” he said. “We’re looking for young, dedicated people who are willing to step up.”

For more information on the Marion Social Club call 508-748-3888.