30-year ‘non-political’ political tradition continues
NORWICH – If you have a craving for shell fish dipped in vats of melted butter, Chenango County is the place to be this weekend. On Sunday, the Chenango County Republican Committee will hold their annual fundraising event, Lobsterfest.
Lobsterfest is a tradition that began more than 30 years ago when former Assembly Minority Leader Clarence D. “Rapp” Rappleyea first entered the New York State legislature. Rappleyea, who was a Norwich native, said he came up with the idea because of his friendship with then Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Perry D. Duryea.
“He was probably the biggest lobster-man on the east coast,” Rappleyea said. “And he went to Colgate, so he was familiar with Chenango County. So we came up with the idea to do a once a year fundraiser.”
In time, the event became more than just a fundraiser. It was the chance to showcase Chenango County to people throughout the state and beyond, and eventually it became a destination for people running for political office.
“We’ve had people come from everywhere, and it gives them a peek at central New York and Chenango County,” Rappleyea said.
Rappleyea served on the New York State Assembly for more than 22 years, 13 as the minority leader of the state assembly and was appointed by Governor Pataki to serve as chairman and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority. For 20 years, he used Lobsterfest as his annual fundraiser. Now the tradition has been taken up by the Chenango Republican Committee.
Part of the novelty of the event is the cuisine. “It’s sort of a gastronomic delight,” Rappleyea said, explaining that most cookouts in Chenango County consist of chicken or hamburgers.
In addition, the event is an opportunity for people to discuss problems of the moment with the politicians who represent them. Rappleyea guessed big topics this year would include taxes, local aid, and of course NYRI’s proposed power line.
A golf outing will be held prior to Lobsterfest. Tee time will be at 8 a.m. on July 22. Anyone interested in participating should contact the Canasawacta Country Club’s Pro-Shop at 336-2685 for more information. Lobsterfest will follow, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Canasawacta Country Club pavilion. Tickets cost $60 and can be obtained at Christman Motors, 334-3234, or at Chiarino Insurance, 337-2886.
According to Republican Committee Chairman Thomas Morrone, already committed to attending the event are Senator Thomas Libous, Senator James Seward, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, Assemblyman Gary Finch and Assemblyman Peter Lopez. Several other elected officials have been invited and are likely to be attend.
“It’s a fun event with a serious purpose,” Rappleyea said.
e-mail: jlewis@evesun.com
Lobsterfest is a tradition that began more than 30 years ago when former Assembly Minority Leader Clarence D. “Rapp” Rappleyea first entered the New York State legislature. Rappleyea, who was a Norwich native, said he came up with the idea because of his friendship with then Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Perry D. Duryea.
“He was probably the biggest lobster-man on the east coast,” Rappleyea said. “And he went to Colgate, so he was familiar with Chenango County. So we came up with the idea to do a once a year fundraiser.”
In time, the event became more than just a fundraiser. It was the chance to showcase Chenango County to people throughout the state and beyond, and eventually it became a destination for people running for political office.
“We’ve had people come from everywhere, and it gives them a peek at central New York and Chenango County,” Rappleyea said.
Rappleyea served on the New York State Assembly for more than 22 years, 13 as the minority leader of the state assembly and was appointed by Governor Pataki to serve as chairman and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority. For 20 years, he used Lobsterfest as his annual fundraiser. Now the tradition has been taken up by the Chenango Republican Committee.
Part of the novelty of the event is the cuisine. “It’s sort of a gastronomic delight,” Rappleyea said, explaining that most cookouts in Chenango County consist of chicken or hamburgers.
In addition, the event is an opportunity for people to discuss problems of the moment with the politicians who represent them. Rappleyea guessed big topics this year would include taxes, local aid, and of course NYRI’s proposed power line.
A golf outing will be held prior to Lobsterfest. Tee time will be at 8 a.m. on July 22. Anyone interested in participating should contact the Canasawacta Country Club’s Pro-Shop at 336-2685 for more information. Lobsterfest will follow, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Canasawacta Country Club pavilion. Tickets cost $60 and can be obtained at Christman Motors, 334-3234, or at Chiarino Insurance, 337-2886.
According to Republican Committee Chairman Thomas Morrone, already committed to attending the event are Senator Thomas Libous, Senator James Seward, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, Assemblyman Gary Finch and Assemblyman Peter Lopez. Several other elected officials have been invited and are likely to be attend.
“It’s a fun event with a serious purpose,” Rappleyea said.
e-mail: jlewis@evesun.com
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