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Lobsterfest at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is back for 2021, but there is a catch.
Organizers decided this week that due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the annual fundraiser will be carryout only for this year. Still, conducting the event in this manner is a step up from 2020, when the fundraiser had to be canceled due to the pandemic.
“We want to keep people safe, that’s why we made this decision,” event Chair Manera Searcy said. “Hopefully, people will still support us and enjoy their lobster dinner at home. I know everybody is disappointed we can’t have a social hour and then sit down and eat.”
Lobsterfest 2021 is set for Thursday, Sept. 23. Organizers will start handing out dinners at 5 p.m., and Searcy said they hope to be finished by 8. The goal is to sell 500 lobster dinners. Tickets are $40 apiece.
“For that, you get a wonderful Maine lobster that we cook right there on the premise — and they are steamed — a salad, roasted potatoes, bread and a nice dessert,” Searcy said. “Of course, we include the butter and lemon in your little box. You will also get a little bottle of wine. It is well worth the price.”
Church rector the Rev. Amy M. George came to St. Paul’s just prior to the start of the pandemic last year, so she’s still waiting to participate in her first traditional Lobsterfest. Still, she supported going to takeout only for 2021.
“Of course we’re disappointed because it’s such a big event for the community … but as a church it is our responsibility to take care of people and not put them at risk,” she said. “On a personal level, I’m disappointed because I was looking forward to getting people in our building and enjoying the atmosphere and the event.”
Searcy said the church has several outreach ministries the event will help fund. She said one of the church’s favorite is the Christian Outreach Alliance, which is a food pantry.George said it was important for the church to do things in the community. She said Lobsterfest is a “fun way to fund projects that are outside of ourselves … Outreach is a big part of this church.”
Lobsterfest 2021 is sponsored by Vaughn Regional Medical Center and Talton Communications. Barbara Leet is the event co-chair.
To purchase tickets, call the church office at 334-874-8421 and speak with parish admin Angie. St. Paul’s church members also have tickets to sale.
Searcy said organizers need to have a definite count on the Monday before the event.
The church is at 210 Lauderdale St., and the office is open Monday- Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Please buy tickets,” George said. “Please don’t be discouraged because it’s takeout.”