Residents can get ready to roll up their sleeves this weekend, Crab Fest has returned.
“The idea is to get in there, get dirty, get loud and have a great time,” said organizer Ray Walker with the Rotary Club of Parksville AM.
The Rotary Club started Crab Fest 18 years ago to give the local community something to do after the crowds and the summertime dwindled down, Walker said. To their surprise they made some money, allowing the group to use the money for their local and international service. The event often sold out and Walker said it was always a great time.
After crab prices skyrocketed a few years ago, and the event was faced with some other challenges, it was cancelled. But this year the Rotary Club is bringing it back, sourcing the crab directly from fishermen, and offering it at a great deal, Walker said.
The buffet crab dinner comes complete with coleslaw, baked potato, buns, dessert and of course, “lots of butter.” And if some people don’t like crab, barbecue chicken will also be available.
“We’re going back to basics,” said Walker. “It’s going to be like a picnic, with paper plates, bibs and bonkers.”
There will also be beer, wine and other refreshments available.
The funds will go toward a major local project that Rotarians have yet to reveal, as well as their usual support to causes like funding international students, shelter boxes, coats for kids, the local BLT program, and more.
Crab Fest at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre, starts at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, with the last dinner being served at 7:30 p.m. and the event closing at 9. Tickets are $25 from Marlin Travel and Close To You in Parksville, and Mulberry Bush book stores in Qualicum Beach and Parksville, or from any Parksville AM Rotarians. There will be beer, wine and other refreshments available.
Contest:
The News has two tickets to give away to this year’s Rotary Crab Fest!
Be the first person to come into The News office today, Tuesday, Sept. 4 and say, “I want to go to Crab Fest” and they’re yours!
Good Luck!