The east coast comes to the Rocky Mountains in June, with the Jasper Rotary Club’s annual Lobsterfest event.

Lobsterfest will take place on June 11, boasting tasty fresh lobster, entertainment and some great items up for auction. Paul Butler, Rotary president, says the event has been going on for 16 years – almost since the club began.

“It is our major fundraiser,” says Butler. “In past years, we have been able to raise $25,000 to $35,000.”

Butler says the money raised is put into various areas of programming; international, community and youth initiatives.

“About 45 per cent of our funds get spent in international humanitarian service and aid and about the same amount gets spent within the community,” he says. “We also earmark a portion for youth specifically.”

No more than 10 per cent of money raised for the Rotary goes to administration, says Butler.

“Ninety per cent or more goes to service, support and aid efforts.”

Lobsterfest will feature one-and-a-half pound lobsters flown in specifically for the event from Finn’s Seafood out of P.E.I.

“They fly them in and even help us cook them,” says Butler.

The dinner is held at the Jasper Activity Centre, and the lobster boiling station is stationed just outside the kitchen doors. There are three big boilers on propane burners placed just outside the kitchen, so as not to fill the hall with steam. All the Rotarians volunteer to cook, serve and clean up, with Bob Graham from the Atha-B helping out on the bar.

“We always start with clam chowder,” says Butler. “It’s a tradition and we sell it after for people to take home.”

Each year there is entertainment at Lobsterfest, and this year is no different with the Linkomatics slated to play throughout the evening. There will also be a silent auction, with some great items up for bids.

“We also have a live auction, also a tradition, and it’s a lot of fun with Doug McPhee auctioneering,” says Butler, adding that there will be music and a dance after dinner.

For those who don’t eat lobster, there is a steak option. Lobsters and chowder are also available for take-out.

Tickets are available at Tekarra Color Lab or talk to any one of Jasper’s 36 Rotarians. Butler recommends that groups buy a table to save on ticket costs. Get your tickets soon, this event is very popular and only about 240 tickets are printed and sold.