A favourite feast for seafood lovers is making a comeback in September.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Guelph, the 43rd annual Lobsterfest will be held on Sept. 30 when live lobsters on ice will be flown in from the east coast and boiled in ‘perfect Rotary style’ in the backyard at the Italian Canadian Club of Guelph.
This fundraising event has been held continuously for 42 years, but last year was cancelled because of COVID-19.
In 2020 and 2021 Lobsterfest shifted to “drive-by” events that raised a total of $35,000. This year, the Lobsterfest committee hopes to raise more funds in support for all of the work Rotarians do.
“Last year, people wanted to come out, but they felt nervous. They still didn’t feel comfortable being in a big group. They liked the 'drive by' idea but then it became too late for us to be able to do that,” said past president and Rotary member, Rosemary Clark, during a Rotary Lobsterfest kickoff event at the Guelph Italian Club on Friday.
“This year, as things are getting back to normal, nothing will stop the enthusiastic committee from presenting Lobsterfest 2023 with the support of fellow Rotarians, and most of all, the wonderful citizens of Guelph who look forward to a very special night out.”
For over four decades, the fundraising event aims to support Rotary local charities and global initiatives such as Food4KidsGuelgh, The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs, Hospice Wellington, Rotary Forest, KidsAbility and ShelterBox.
“The Rotary is also involved with international initiatives. We just finished up a project for a school with 600 kids in Uganda,” Clark said.
Lobsterfest has become dinner and dance with both silent and live auctions fundraisers that have raised between $19,000 and $35,000 over the years, adding up to about one-third of the funds raised annually by the Rotary Club of Guelph.
Past Rotary president, Marty Fairbairn, says the goal for the Lobsterfest kick-off event on Friday is to get the community excited about Lobsterfest and to learn how to purchase tickets.
Also serving as chair of the Lobsterfest committee, Fairbairn says he is hopeful this year’s proceeds will go a long way in helping achieve Rotary’s goals.
“There’s some excitement starting, so we hope to see more and more ticket sales. I’m thrilled to see Lobsterfest back. It was a major setback last year. It is a big fundraiser for us. Along with Sparkles in the Park, this is one of the biggest over the years.”
The Rotary Club of Guelph hopes to sell 410 tickets and raise $35,000 at Lobsterfest 2023.
Guests will enjoy antipasto tables of seafood, salads and cheese, plus a buffet with lobster, spareribs, baked potatoes, maple syrup beans, salads and dessert.
“The antipasto is to die for. And the ribs, some people come for the ribs alone, not just lobster. They are fabulous too,” Fairbairn said.
This year’s Lobsterfest has much more to offer than just the food.
“It’s just a fun time with Rotarians. There will also be a great band, which for one night, will be called 'Butter Sauce', who will play some favourite classics,” Fairbairn said.
Throughout the evening, guests will have an opportunity to purchase tickets for a 50-50draw and bid on items in the live auction, as well as the silent auction. Items up for grabs include a two-night stay at Guelph’s premier Airbnb, the Carriage House at Lornewood Mansion, a one-hour flight for two in a Cessna over Guelph and surrounding area, as well as a rare book by Christopher Warwick, Her Majesty.
Tickets for Lobsterfest 2023 cost $125 and may be purchased online here, by email at [email protected] or phone at 519-822-4687.
“There are some big items to be auctioned off at Lobsterfest this year, and that will really help with our fundraising,” Clark said.
“Everyone can come out for some good food, a good party and dancing, and for an all-round good time.”
