Lobsterfest Tradition Continues This Weekend

For more than three decades now, mid August in Canton has meant Lobster. 

This year will be no different as the Canton Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. presents the 32nd Annual Lobsterfest, its primary fundraiser.

The event takes place Aug. 17-19, 2012 and includes food as well as music and other fun. For $18 participants get a pound a quarter lobster, a fresh ear of corn from the Pickin' Patch in Avon, "homemade" New England Clam Chowder and a 14-oz draught Bud Light (or soda or water).

Those who don't care for Lobster can buy hot dogs, French fries, hamburgers, $3 beer and other drinks from the booths in the field across from the Canton Springs station. 

Desserts and coffee will also be available in Ellsworth Hall.

The event also includes live music with Fourth Time Around Friday night, Jr. Krauss and the Shakes Saturday and Mick and Ed Sunday afternoon. A dance floor will also be set up in the concert area and families are welcome to bring chairs and blankets but not coolers or dogs. 

For the past few weeks, members of the company, firefighters stationed on Canton Springs Road and other volunteers have been busy preparing for the event. 

Monday night, a group of volunteers were busy moving picnic tables under the tent, hanging lights and performing other tasks. 

Corey Russo, event chairman and vice president of the Canton Volunteer Fire Co. Inc., said a core group of about 20 have been consistently helping pull it all together. 

The Canton Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. is an independent association that supports the firefighters, EMTs and others based at the Canton Springs station but in some cases the entire town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department, Russo said.

While the funds raised fluctuate greatly, he said the goal this year is to raise money to buy night-visible safety gear for the 10 to 12 members of the department's fire police. 

"They really need it," Russo said. 

The event takes place: 

• Aug. 17 — 6 to 9:30. 
• Aug. 18 — noon to 9:30 p.m. 
• Sunday — noon to 4 p.m or when sold out. 

Parking is free and will be off Canton Springs Road. Once again, the Canton Lions Club will assist with parking.