Members from the Lac La Biche Rotary Club are taking advantage of the 'melting pot' theme of the community and bringing in more than 200 new additions to the Lac La Biche County from Canada's East Coast. It's not a Rotary Club tour group, and these visitors won't be staying long. But they'll do in a pinch.
The annual Lobsterfest will be boiling over with taste and entertainment on Saturday, June 1 as the Lac La Biche Rotary Club is preparing a supper event to feed upwards of 175 people some delicious and fresh-to-the-area lobsters from the East Coast.
The fundraising dinner takes place at the Lac La Biche Agriplex starting at 5:30 pm.
This year's event will raise funds for the Rotary Club's community and international service projects, says the club's executive, Susan Ward.
"The primary focus of our fundraising from this is to support an international project that we are participating in Honduras, and then the rest of it will be used to support our other local projects... We are partnering with the Rotary Club in Edmonton and the project they have just completed is a school ... They will be doing some water projects, it is going to be a multi-year project that they are building on... It's an island off the coast of Honduras, it is a part of Honduras that doesn't even have electricity," explained Ward.
This year's event will feature a few more additions than in previous years with an option of barbecued steak being added to the menu and live entertainment performing on the Agricom stage. But, when asked what the best thing is about Lobsterfest, the answer will always stay the same — those reddish-coloured guest of honour.
"The food, first and foremost. The lobster. As well, this year we are doing a number of different things. We have had people in the past that have wanted us to have steaks. So, if people want to have a steak, they can buy an extra steak when they get there. They have to cook it themselves, and this year for the first time we are also going to have a live band called Fat Racket... It's the first time we are introducing live music — with an east coast flair," Ward said.
All the members and executive from the local Rotary Club are hoping to see community involvement at the fundraiser and asks everyone in the locality to join them for a good cause.
"It is a wonderful evening out, it is kind of a great start to the summer season. Everyone will have fun, everyone loves the lobsterfest and it is getting better every year. Every year we are trying to make it a little more exciting for people to come to."
Tables and tickets. Get 'em soon
Rotary organizers are also offering reserve tables this year for groups that want to make sure they are all sitting together, helping them to laugh as a group as butter is dripped and claws are ripped.
"Another thing that we have done this year is we are allowing people to reserve tables for 8-12 people for a little bit of extra money. They will get first preference on the seating and getting their lobsters," said Ward.
Single tickets are $75 andmust be purchased before May 25.
Table tickets start at $700 for table of 8, and $1000 for a table of 12.
The dinner includes a whole lobster, beans, potatoes, salad and dessert. Steaks are available for an additional price of $20.
Individual tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com, from The Liquor Stop or by calling (780) 623-0274. Group tickets can be purchased through Susan Ward at (780)689-7554.
