33rd Annual Lobsterfest Kicks off Friday Night

With steaming hot lobsters, fresh corn, thousands of paper plates, plenty of beer, country music pulsating in the outdoor “kitchen” and live rock n’ roll out in the field, there’s little doubt that Lobsterfest is Canton’s biggest late-summer party.

This year, for the Canton Volunteer Fire Company’s 33rd annual event, the goal is 4,000 lobster dinners, president Corey Russo said. 

“The event keeps growing,” Russo said.

Lobsterfest takes place Friday, Aug. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug 17 from noon to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 18 from noon to 4 p.m. (or sold out) at the fire station on Canton Springs Road. A dessert room is also featured in Ellsworth Hall.   

For $18, patrons get lobster, corn, New England clam chowder and a beverage.

For those who don’t care for lobster or want more food, hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, water, beer and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream are all sold on the field. There’s also a dessert room in the station's Ellsworth Hall.

Friday night features live music with the Johnny Larson Band with Carolyn Rae while Flipper Dave and friends will entertain Saturday night.

New this year will be a craft fair and mini golf event from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Organized by Kate McAllister, owner of River City Art Center in Collinsville, the fair is a new feature Russo hopes will help draw people to the event during what is typically its slowest time.

The Canton Volunteer Fire Company, based on Canton Springs Road, is an independent association that supports the town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department.

Funds from the event are used for various purchases of fire equipment or accessories.

Profit can vary greatly, Russo said. The event generated some $20,000 two years ago and $7,000 last year.  

"It's hit or miss," Russo said. "It all depends on what's going on." 

What is steady is the amount of work. For three weeks, a crew of volunteers has helped set up for the event and each night some 30 to 40 people help run it.

Numerous members of the community pitch in at the event, which Russo feels is fun for all ages. 

"It really is a family event," he said.