LOBSTER LOVERS REJOICE

Benefit back by popular demand

Tim Preston/The Independent

Ashland — After last year’s party, everybody wants another taste of the action.

“It was so well received last year, we really didn’t have a choice but to have it again,” said Safe Harbor spokesman Debra Wright as she and other organizers made arrangements for the second-annual Lobster Fest to support ongoing renovations at Harbor Hill, Safe Harbor’s permanent housing apartments.

“It was just a blast. It was a beautiful evening. All I heard was how much fun it was,” Wright said.

The event, hosted by Safe Harbor and the Boyd County Medical Alliance, will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at Bellefonte Country Club. Seating will be limited to the first 320 tickets sold.

The evening’s menu, based on event chairman Susan Fried’s New England experiences and prepared by Chef Chris Ross, will include a raw bar, shrimp bisque, salad, trays of vegetables, fruits and cheeses, a traditional New England lobster boil (or a beef or vegetarian entree option), Boston cream pie and an open bar.

Along with the meal, Wright said participants will again have a chance to take home any of several precious, semiprecious and faux gemstones from the gem scoop. She said Clayton Hill of Pollock’s Jewelers will again provide a substantial amount of gemstones “including diamonds,” which will be scattered in a container of sand and small stones, to be scooped one ladle at a time and sorted by supporters.

Several outstanding items have been collected for the live and silent auction portions of the evening, Wright said, including box tickets for six at Keeneland, a flying lesson, hot air balloon rides for two, a basket of fine wines, a framed wall hanging by sculptor Sam Mc-Kinney and a purebred female Shih Tzu puppy complete with crate, vaccinations and a certificate for spaying.

This year’s Lobster Fest will feature indoor and outdoor seating, Wright said. Music will be provided by nationally acclaimed eight-piece band City Heat. Ashland Independent School District Superintendent Steve Gilmore will be master of ceremonies.

Sponsorships, which include advertisements, tickets and the sponsor’s name or organization included in a permanent display in the Harbor Hill lobby, are available at four levels.