CHENANGO COUNTY – Preparations are underway for the Chenango County Republican Committee’s 35th annual Lobster Festival, to be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 19 at the Canasawacta Country Club.

Boasted as the county’s only “non-political, political event,” the Lobster Festival serves as the only fundraiser for the Chenango Republican Committee. Originally organized by Clarence D. “Rapp” Rappleyea, the Lobster Fest has long served as an opportunity for Chenango residents to interact with their local and state representatives over a casual meal and good conversation.

Chenango Republican Committee Chairman Thomas Morrone said attending this year’s events will be Chenango County officials including Judge Howard Sullivan, Mayor Joseph Maiurano and several town supervisors, all of whom will be up for election in 2009. In addition, Morrone said, state representatives like Senator Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton), Senator James Seward (R-Oneonta), Assemblyman Clifford Crouch (R-Guilford), Assemblyman Gary Finch (R-Springport) and Assemblyman Peter Lopez (R-Schoharie) have already been invited to attend. Candidates who may run for office in the coming years have also been invited to attend. “We’ve invited Rick Lazio, who is considering the possibility of running for Governor,” Morrone said. The committee chairman also said he hopes the candidates considering a run for the position of Sheriff will consider attending the event.