Lobster was king on Saturday, August 18 as many in the community came to enjoy the festivities and food provided by the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley. The main prize at the raffle was a 5 pound lobster on display in a tank, awaiting the lucky winner.
In addition to the club's members, about 70 volunteers gave their time to assist in making this year's Lobster Fest one of the most successful to date. The list includes students from Royal and Simi Valley High School Key Clubs, Sinaloa and Hillside Middle School Builders Clubs, Boy Scout Troops #623 and #649, and members of Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise.
The Kiwanis Aktion Club, sponsored jointly by Kiwanis of Simi Valley and Kiwanis of Santa Susana, comprised of developmentally disabled adults, never seems to tire when it comes to volunteering in the community. Two dozen of their members set to work cleaning tables and selling sodas during the day's events.
With music onstage provided by master deejay, Larry Cox, followed by Michael John and The Bottom Line, people were dancing, singing, or just moving to the rhythms. Guests brought their families to take a chance on the raffle prizes, bid on silent auction packages, and visit the vendor booths. Kids enjoyed their own area romping on inflatable play equipment provided by Top Rentals, and joining in games organized by Kiwanis volunteers.
Twenty seven vendors displayed their wares, and non-profit groups such as American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Kiwanis of Santa Susana's Cowchip Bingo, James Tutino Scholorship Fund, and For the Troops provided information about their respective organizations.
A Bloodmobile waited onsite for those willing to make a donation.
Also on display for a ribbon cutting ceremony was the specially equipped van, funded in large part by Simi Valley Kiwanis, and purchased by the park district to enable transporting of people with disabilities.
The main event, of course, was the lobster dinner. Guests made their way through the line and came out with plates piled high with whole Maine lobsters, corn on the cob, coleslaw, potatoes, and bread. They visited the well-known Kiwanis "hot dog wagon" to pick up desserts that included cake, cookies, and Hagen Dazs ice cream. There was a wine and beer garden, and soft drinks sold by Aktion Club volunteers.
Kiwanis of Simi Valley holds the Lobster Fest each year as one of their major fund raisers, and as the kickoff to Simi Valley Days, which is on the calendar for September 12-16.