Lobster Fest set to return in 2021

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This article was published 21/04/2021 (769 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood’s Lobster Fest is back – with a different format – but the same great meal will be available through curbside pickup on May 29.    

What began as a garden party at the home of Rotarian members Nancy and Dave Morris, the Lobster Fest fundraiser has become a 35-year tradition for the club and is usually enjoyed at Eric Coy Arena, except for last year when it was cancelled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year, a decision was made to change the format to comply with COVID protocols, so we could continue the event,” said Jim Forestell, chair of the Rotary Club’s Lobster Fest committee.

The 2021 Lobster Fest will be held on Sat., May 29 and, while the dinner selection will be the same – pre-cooked lobster or chicken – the meals will have to be picked up at Varsity View Community Centre, at 315 Laxdal Rd., Forestell explained.

Lobster Fest tickets are $50 and the meal includes your choice of a large whole lobster (1.5 to 1.75 pounds) or a half-chicken, baked potato, cole slaw, bun and dessert. A small bottle of wine will also be included with this year’s take away meal, Forestell said.   

Ticket holders will also be eligible for 25 door prizes. The draw will be made prior to the event so winners can take their prizes home when they pick up their meals.  
Outdoor entertainment will be provided by a DJ between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m. for the enjoyment of those picking up meals.

Lobster Fest is an important fundraiser and the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood is counting on community support. It usually sells about 600 tickets and organizers hope to maintain that number.

“We were able to meet our funding obligations last year because we had a reserve – a rainy day fund,” Forestell explained.

“But this year we really need this fund-raising event.”

The club supports a variety of community and international projects, he pointed out. One such project will be $800,000 improvements at Assiniboine Forest, some of which involves replacing signage, adding trails and building a new parking lot.  

In addition to the forest enhancement project, funds raised will also go to the STARS air ambulance and Westgrove Elementary School.

Tickets for Lobster Fest are on sale until May 19 and can be obtained by emailing  1rotarylobsterfest@gmail.com or calling Jim or Lorraine at 204-895-4967.  

You can also visit the club’s website at www.charleswoodrotary.org