“The Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament makes good its claim of being Florida’s “biggest Three-Day Lobster Festival.” Now in its 20th year, this culinary extravaganza features huge,freshly caught lobsters prepared every mouth-watering way imaginable, and the Annual Schooners Sand Sculpting Contest. The event draws thousands of divers and lobster lovers from all over the Southeast. Awards and lobster feast take place Sept. 17-20.”
Here are 5 reasons you’re going to love it:
5. It’s Schooner’s – If you don’t know about Schooner’s already, you should know its called the last local beach club for a reason. Since the late 60′s, Schooners, then named “The Beach Party” has been filled wall to wall with patrons who love the place. Now, it’s one of the last open-air hangouts left on the Gulf Coast. Schooner’s is all about laid back fun, good times, good food all on a sparkling strip of beach. What better place to have Lobster than the worlds most beautiful beach and Schooners?
4. Sand Sculpture Contest - The best sand sculpture artists in the south descend upon Schooners for a winner take all contest and you get to see it all the amazing creations. This is the 11th year of the event and it just keeps getting better. This year they’ve even got “Sanding Ovations.” This alone is worth seeing.
3. Live Music – As you may already know, Schooner’s is home to some of the best live music on Panama City Beach. Lobsterfest will be no different. With the likes of renowned bands Troy Syfrett & The Nashville Mafia, Arizona and Nothing Short of Pure, people will be rocking all night long.
2. Charity – Every year, proceeds from the event go to various charities. This year Schooners will donate the proceeds from the event to the Toys for Kids Foundation and the Florida Aquatic Marine Institute. So not only do you get to chow down on all kinds of delicious, succulent lobster, you’re helping the community by doing so.
1. LOBSTERS! - This will be a literal Lobster Extravaganza! Lobster grilled, fried, sauteed, broiled, chilled, steamed, blackened, whole, halved, skewered–if you can name it, you can eat it. The chefs will cook up all types and variations of local lobster and you get to go home for three nights with one happy belly. Check out this year’s menu:
LOBSTERFEST MENU 2009
WHITE LOBSTER CHILI
LOBSTER GUMBO
LOBSTER BISQUE
LOBSTER CEVICHE WITH SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS
SMOKED LOBSTER CRAB AND CHEESE DIP
LOBSTER AND CORN HUSHPUPPIES
LOBSTER KABOBS WITH STEAK AND SAUSAGE
NEW ENGLAND STYLE LOBSTER ROLLS
LOADED LOBSTER LASAGNA
LOBSTER PAELLA WITH SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE
SAVORY LOBSTER POT PIE
LOBSTER-SHRIMP&GRITS WITH TASSO HAM
COTTON CANDY FOR KIDS
KEY LIME PIE ON A STICK
Kickoff Party on Thursday with Troy Syfrett & The Nashville Mafia. Followed on Friday & Saturday by our #1 Party Band – ARIZONA on the main stage. Local boys, NOTHING SHORT OF PURE on Saturday afternoon with Reggae Rock on the Beach Stage. ARIZONA takes the Beach Stage on Sunday for the final weigh in party.
See you there!