Let’s just say right at the top that the annual Lobsterfest fundraiser allows attendees to get their claws on more than pinch of fun.
Where can you enjoy a New England clambake and Maine lobster boil, and then unwind with lobster-style, robotic car races or dancing in the street to a nine-piece band?
“And this year is going to be even bigger than last year,” said Margaret Powers, adding that more sponsors have been added.
She’s executive director of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, organizing the sixth annual fundraiser slated for May 11 in downtown Columbus and marketed as “Claws For a Cause.” That cause is the Philharmonic’s music education programs, including the Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir, the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Strings in the Schools, all serving more than 13,000 adults and children annually in south central Indiana.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
Sponsored by Old National Bank, the laid-back, festive, casual-dress event takes place partly under a tent along Fifth Street, between Franklin and Washington streets, in the Columbus arts and entertainment district. All five previous gatherings have sold out.
The most recent events have raised between $35,000 and $40,000 for the cause, according to organizers.
Already, about 200 of 350 tickets have been sold, with a current deadline of April 26. This year, capacity has been reduced from 400 people, according to Kristen Goecker, the Philharmonic’s events manager.
“We did that just so people could have a little more room to be comfortable and to move around,” Goecker said.
Foster’s Clambakes and Catering, located in York, Maine, is handling the seafood. A happy hour comes complete with live music provided by the nine-piece Indianapolis-based Park Avenue Band, and also the Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir. Thompson Furniture is organizing a “lobster lounge” area. The Garage Pub & Grill is coordinating the bar.
Served buffet-style, dinner will follow and includes a cup of traditional New England clam chowder, steamed clams and mussels, a whole red lobster, red bliss potatoes, steamed sweet onions and blueberry crumb cake for dessert. For vegetarians or those with seafood allergies, an alternative is available upon request.
Columbus’s GalacTech Team 4926, composed of area high school students, will be on hand for the third straight year to run a series of lobster races, using their robots as the race vehicle over a set course, according to a news release. They will guide attendees on how to control their lobster vehicle — or people can pay for the teens to drive and race the vehicle for them.
And what do race winners get?
“It’s called bragging rights,” Powers said.
Sounds like even the most crusty among the crustaceans can have a splashing good time.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”An event that never tanks” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
What: The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Sixth Annual Lobsterfest: Claws For a cause fundraiser.
When: 6 p.m. May 11.
Where: Fifth Street under a tent in downtown Columbus.
Tickets: Divided into two levels: $125 patron and $175 patron plus. Patron plus ticket benefits include two complimentary drinks at the bar. Current deadline is April 26.
Information: 812-376-2638 or thecip.org.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
