Printer Friendly Version - An End of Summer Tradition Returns for its 47th Year

The Chester Rotary Club expects to serve about 800 lobster at its 47th annual Lobster Festival on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Volunteers (such as these cooks in 2014) will prepare and serve lobster, steak, and more. Photo by Gary Komoroski/The Courier

You bring the ambiance, they’ll provide the lobsters, steaks, and everything else. The Rotary Club of Chester is back at the Chester Fairgrounds for the 47th year on Wednesday, Sept. 9 with its annual Lobster Festival, a fundraising event that helps the group support a variety of community organizations each year.

“It’s become a tradition,” said Chester Rotary past president Ron Woodward. “It’s the end of the summer, the last chance to sit outside and enjoy that summer weather. People really get into it—they bring tablecloths, flowers, candles, ice chests, and have their own perfect little evening party.”

Rotary Club members and volunteers set up tents, cook potatoes, grill corn, and ready the steaks and lobsters—and anyone can volunteer, even if they are not part of Rotary. The “butter babes” will also be there, with the all-important task of keeping the butter that goes with everything melted all evening.

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and bottled water, will be available for purchase at the dinner, and attendees are welcome to bring their own as well.

“We’ll probably cook about 800 lobsters, and sacks of corn,” said Woodward. “We love the atmosphere, the coming together of the community. It’s a huge effort from the club and our volunteers. It’s a lot of fun.”

The proceeds from the dinner go on to support a variety of community groups such as Chester Parks & Recreation, Camp Hazen YMCA, and Tri-Town Youth Services, as well as local scholarships and even bikes for kids.

“Rotary raises money to give it away locally and to international and national efforts, and this is a real community event. We have some great local sponsors,” said 12-year Chester Rotarian Debbie Alldredge.

Sponsors include Whelen Engineering, Aaron Manor, Zanardi Oil, West Main Street Garage, and Essex Savings Bank.

“This year we hope to serve 350 to 400 meals. The twin lobster is definitely the most popular. Tickets are sold even at the gate. We’ve never ran out—we’ve come close, but never run out,” said Alldredge.

This year there will be live music from two bands. Driving Route 9 will play during dinner, and Old Dog New Trick will provide rock and roll favorites for some after-dinner dancing from 7 to 10 p.m.

“People come year after year and wouldn’t’ miss it. Last year we had someone rent a whole tent and had their pre-wedding dinner there,” said Alldredge.

The 47th annual Lobster Festival will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Chester Fairgrounds. The gates open at 4 p.m., dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets can be bought in advance online at www.chesterrotary.org, at the Chester Sunday Market, or from Lark, Pattaconk Bar & Grill, Chester Package Store, Chrisholm Marina, and Chester Bottle Shop. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the gate for the single steak or single lobster dinner, and $40 in advance or $45 at the gate for the double steak, double lobster, or surf and turf dinner. Those who wish to volunteer for the event, or otherwise get involved with Rotary, can reach out through the contact form on the website, message the club through its Facebook Page, or stop by the Rotary table at the Chester Sunday Market.