Lobsters are only for catching, sizing, banding, boiling or steaming, and enjoying as a delicious meal, right? What else can live lobsters do other than quickly appear on our plates as the main event? You might be surprised to learn how the great American lobster, Homarus americanus, is so much more than a meal.
1. Annual Maine Lobster Festival
In nearly every town you’ll find a July 4th parade complete with a marching band, a few floats, maybe even a town queen. Yet in Rockland, Maine, there is an entire festival dedicated to our favorite crustacean. From cooking contests and a big parade, to a crate race and crafts, when you see both people and pets dressed up as lobsters you’re nearly there! In 2010, the big event will take place August 4 to 8.
2. Attend Lobster College!
The Kenniston Hill Inn B&B, in Boothbay, Maine, hosts the annual Lobster College, a weekend of learning about and enjoying fresh lobster! The instructors come from the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine, and the weekend includes a boat trip and trap haul, classes on lobster biology and ecology, culinary lessons, and a visit to a working lobster wharf. This year’s college takes place September 17 to 20, 2009.
3. Annual Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
Lobster isn’t just an east-coast-thing as proven by the Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival! With the tag line, “Come for the Feast, Stay for the Fun” who wouldn’t want to celebrate the greatest crustacean at an event that hosts meals, music, a parade, and pirate hunt! This year’s event is taking place September 18 to 20, 2009, when organizers will attempt to break the world record on Saturday, September 19, for serving the most seafood at an outdoor event.
4. Race Lobster Fishing Boats
You read correctly! What do lobtsermen do in the summer when not lobstering? Why race their fishing boats, of course! Several events take place up and down the coast of Maine every year, but head to your favorite harbor and join in the fun cheering on all sizes and weight classes, complete with an awards ceremony at the end. Really, it is just an excuse to gather together and enjoy some good weather, libations and of course, a lot of fresh lobster.
5. A Pirate Cruise for Lobster
Even kids can enjoy a step back in time with Captain Paul M. Quintal, owner of Lobster Tales’ Pirate Cruise in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Kids can experience lobstering first-hand on the Pirate Cruise, complete with searching for booty, firing water cannons at an enemy ship, donning a pirate cap and navigating the map and waters.
Enjoying live lobster as a meal is only the beginning of the experiences available thanks to this crustacean. The inspiring events and educational opportunities can bring together communities both far and wide.
