Music, Fun and of Course Lobster Sept. 4-6 in Westport

WESTPORT, N.Y. --- It’s more than 40 years old and it’s still one of the region’s best end-of-the-summer bashes. The 43rd annual Westport Marina Lobster Festival will be held rain or shine, Sept. 4-6, at the Westport Marina on Lake Champlain. Bringing together boaters and land-lubbers, the three-day festival features music, races, barbeque and, of course, lobster.

The festival kicks off Friday, by inviting guests to see Smokey Joe’s Café, with music by Leiber and Stoller, featuring classic rock and roll songs, at the Depot Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday’s activities include a make-it-yourself cardboard boat, paddled by one or two persons in the 4 p.m. race followed by a baby-back rib or steak barbeque dinner at 6 p.m., with dancing to The Riddlers at 9 p.m.

Sunday is “Lobsterfest” day. Activities include kayak races, as well as balloon art and face painting, all leading up to the long-awaited feast. Steamed clams are served at 4 p.m., with the lobster and BBQ-chicken dinners served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Locally grown corn-on-the cob, basil tomatoes, homemade coleslaw—a lobsterfest tradition, and dessert round out the menu. After dinner, from 8 p.m to midnight, Damaged Goods—more classic rock and roll, play for dancing with a break for the costume parade, celebrating “400 years in the Champlain Valley,” at 9 p.m.

Advance reservations are required for Sunday’s lobsterfest dinner. Walk-in’s will be accepted only if there’s extra food. Prices vary according to menu items selected. For more information about the 43rd annual Westport Marina Lobster Festival, visit www.westportmarina.com.