NORWICH – Long hailed by organizers as “the biggest non-political political event of the year,” Lobsterfest is expected to entice hundreds of political aficionados this summer.
The Chenango County Republican Committee will host the 42nd annual Lobsterfest from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 17.
Though traditionally held at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, event organizers sought a new venue at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich in recent years, which Chenango County Republican Committee Chairman Tom Morrone said has brought a welcomed change of flavor to the event. Plans are to stick with it again this year.
“It’s going to be outdoors under the big tent. Tickets include admission into the museum,” said Morrone, noting that the new location was a big hit last year. “We had a great turnout. Everybody liked it. Out-of-towners especially enjoyed seeing the museum for the first time.”
Each year, Lobsterfest invites political pundits from the local, state, and federal levels to a mixer of seafood and politics. Public figures, including retired Congressman Richard Hanna, New York State Senators Fred Akshar and James Seward, and Assemblymen Clifford Crouch and Gary Finch are all expected to attend this year. The committee has also received responses from local representatives, including the mayors of Greene, Norwich, and Sherburne, as well as town supervisors from around the county.
Event founder Clarence “Rapp” Rappleyea, former Assembly Minority Leader, is also expected to attend.
Lobsterfest has been a summertime staple in Chenango County since Rappleyea first rolled out the social event in 1975. In its heyday, the occasion would draw between 1,000 and 1,200 people from across Chenango County and throughout the state to rub elbows with legislators and discuss the pressing issues of the day. Rappleyea went on to be Minority Leader and Chairman of the New York State Power Authority before resigning his seat in 1995. As he grew politically, so did Lobsterfest.
Morrone predicts that more than 400 people will make their way to Lobsterfest this year. Although the event has its roots in politics, he said it has become much more than a platform to discuss hot-button issues. It serves as the only fundraising event of the year for the Chenango Republican Committee to support its political viewpoint and to continue donations toward the Chenango County Dollars for Scholars program.
More importantly, Lobsterfest is a chance to briefly set aside political differences – an effort that Morrone said is particularly critical during a chaotic presidential election year.
“Of course this year is a presidential year, and being a presidential election year I would hope for a good turnout,” he said. “People come to spend time with their friends and neighbors and meet with their representatives. It doesn’t matter about your affiliation. All are welcome to enjoy good company and good food.”
This year’s Lobsterfest will be catered by Tuller’s Catering and Party Services of New Berlin. Tickets are $60 each and available by calling Morrone at 226-3271.