Stepney Fire Co.'s Lobster Clambake: Surf & Turf for a Cause

Families going to the Stepney firehouse at 88 Main Street on Saturday will enjoy an evening of listening to live music, while socializing with friends over dinner. Some will crack open a fresh lobster and dip it in hot, melted butter, while others will opt to cut into a juicy steak off the grill.

The annual Stepney Volunteer Fire Co.'s Lobster Clambake fundraiser will also offer fresh steamers, clams on a half-shell and hot dogs and burgers for the kids. Diners will top it all off with home-baked desserts.

The event will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. and for those able to make it this busy Labor Day Weekend, former Stepney fire chief Chris Doyle said, "It's relatively close, reasonably priced and you're helping a good cause."

Now in its 12th year, the Lobster Clambake is one of the fire company's major fundraisers. All proceeds benefit the fire department and will go toward needed equipment and supplement the operating budget.

Tickets cost $26 each at the door and get you a dinner of either lobster or steak, potato salad, corn on the cob, a dinner roll and a beverage. Children's meals will also be offered at a reduced price with a hamburger or hot dog, chips and a beverage.

Up until Friday, those who call ahead to reserve their tickets at 203-268-0236 will receive a discount at $24 a ticket.

A Chance to Win Prizes

A live band will play mellow music people can eat to for the first few hours, then a deejay will play songs, according to Doyle.

There will also be a chance to win cash and other prizes by participating in a 50/50 raffle.

"The more people who show, the bigger the pot, the bigger the cash prize," Doyle said. "And merchants have been very generous with the raffle prizes."

Stepney Volunteer Fire Department Lobster Clambake T-shirts will be on sale throughout the event.

Stepney F.D. on the Radio 

Many may have noticed street signs for this year's lobster clambake posted around town. Doyle, who is in charge of publicity, said a big push is underway to draw a large crowd.

Aside from reaching out to local media and posting information on the fire department's website, Facebook and Twitter pages, Doyle said two radio spots will air on 105 KICKS FM, a country station, on Friday and Saturday. It marks the first time the fire company took to the radio-waves to advertise the dinner.

"We’ve gotten pretty positive feedback from people," Doyle said. "It’s a fundraiser for the fire department, but at the same time, we want it to be a community event where people feel comfortable bringing their families. It's a nice way to end the summer. The weather is supposed to cooperate. We're really excited about that."