Press Release

Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest washes onshore this year, on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Compo Beach from 3pm to 7pm, with an in-person event, as well as a drive-through option. Around 1,200 ticket holders will dine by the water at the hotly anticipated rain or shine event, Westport Rotary’s main fundraiser, which sells out every year. LobsterFest is a signature community gathering, an excellent way to support local philanthropic activities while celebrating the transition from Summer to Fall.

Westport Rotary Club members are thrilled to be preparing for the 11th annual LobsterFest. Tickets can be purchased at www.westportrotary.org or directly from Westport Rotary Club members. For guests who prefer to eat their lobsters and/or steak at home, drive-through tickets must be purchased online from the website only.

Funds earned from LobsterFest tickets and sponsorships enable Westport Rotary to award over 36 Charitable Giving grants to local nonprofits and support impactful humanitarian projects around the world. LobsterFest brings the Westport community together so we can connect and engage with others, belong to something bigger than ourselves, give back, serve to change lives, and most of all, have fun.

Local recipients include Mercy Learning Center, a non-profit which helps women become fluent in English, obtain their GEDs, go onto college and support their families, and Child Guidance of Fairfield County, another nonprofit that provides psychological and educational support to children traumatized by past experiences. Other causes that receive support include food pantries, environmental sustainability, educational and summer program scholarships, and improvement of behavioral health. 

Children’s activities this year include a magician, glitter tattoos, face painting, and Maker Faire pin making. Live music will be provided by the Hot Rubber Monkey Band, a local favorite. In past years, LobsterFest volunteers served some 2,400 lobsters, 300 steaks, and 1,600 ears of corn, as well as raw oysters and clams. 

Tickets are an exceptional value at $75 per person for two 1.25-pound lobsters or a 14 oz. New York strip steak plus corn, coleslaw, bread and butter, potato salad, Peppermint Patties, and a generous supply of beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages. Children’s tickets are $10 for a choice of a hot dog or chicken tenders.

Tickets are available only in advance, online at www.westportrotary.org and directly from Westport Rotary Club members. The LobsterFest event is supported by numerous sponsors. For sponsorship information please contact Gillian Anderson at ganderson24@optonline.net.

Westport Rotary Club follows guidance from the local health authorities. In case LobsterFest needs to limit in-person dining, ticket holders will be contacted by email to arrange for a scheduled drive-through option. 

Representing a cross-section of local business and professional leaders, the Westport Rotary Club is an organization of men and women united in service to their community, vocation and the world. One of 35,200 Rotary clubs worldwide, the Westport Rotary Club is known for philanthropy and for providing hands-on project leadership both locally and internationally. More information is available at www.westportrotary.org. 

The public is always welcome to attend Rotary Club luncheon meetings, which take place on Tuesdays from 12 noon to 1:30 pm at Greens Farms Congregational Church in Westport. The luncheon cost for guests is $20. The Club welcomes membership inquiries. Please contact Club President Karl Mergenthaler at kcmergen19@gmail.com.