West Shore residents have the chance to experience life as a true Newfoundlander while also raising funds for a good cause this month.
As part of Westshore Lobsterfest, residents are invited to strap on a bib, grab a cracker and dig into some delicious fresh lobster straight from Nova Scotia.
“It’s messy and fun,” said David Stocks, president of the Westshore Rotary Club that is putting on the event in partnership with the Langford Legion. “This is not formal, it’s anything but … think of messy fun.”
The legion will be preparing the lobster, as well as coleslaw, baked potatoes and of course, lots of butter.
There will also be entertainment by The Tom Morrissey Band to round out the evening.
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Westshore Lobsterfest originally started some years ago and was a huge success for several years.
But, according to Stocks, no one could figure out why it stopped running. After taking over as club president recently, Stocks decided to end the 14-year hiatus and bring the “down home kitchen party” back to Langford, in support of a good cause.
Funds raised will go towards several initiatives in the community, including 1,000x5, a literacy program that encourages parents to read 1,000 stories to their children by the time they reach the age of five, and the Colwood-based Moms and Mentors Society, which promotes supportive relationships for healthy parenting and families.
Funds will also go towards purchasing a fridge and stove for the Pacific Centre Family Services Association’s Skookum Skillz training program that builds youth’s skills and enhances their confidence through training and work experience.
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“People who come to lobsterfest, they’re going to have a good time, but they’re also going to help a total stranger in the community,” said Stocks, adding they’ve sold roughly 130 tickets so far. “Just trying to make someone’s life a little bit easier – that’s all we can do.”
In addition to the food and music, residents can also take part in a screeching-in ceremony put on by the Newfoundland Club of Victoria to become an honorary Newfoundlander.
As part of the ceremony, participants will learn more about Newfoundland and some of the slang, drink a shot of screech, a particular type of rum, and then kiss a codfish.
Westshore Lobsterfest takes place on Saturday, March 31 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 (761 Station Ave.) The bar opens at 5:30 p.m., followed by the buffet-style dinner at 6:30.
Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased online at westshorerotary.org or by contacting Andy Pearson at 250-739-9346.
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kendra.wong@goldstream