For the second consecutive year. the Estevan Rotary Club had to hold a significantly different Lobsterfest than the kind they're used to. Also for the second year in a row, the people of Estevan and the surrounding area showed they were willing to support it anyway. 

With lobster dinners available for pre-order and pickup on Saturday outside the Estevan Curling Club, people were driving up and collecting their orders all through the day. In total, the club raised over $9000 for their future charitable work. 

"We raised actually close to $9700 for the club," said club president Dr. Amanda Olsen. "It went really smoothly again as I have come to know in all the Rotarian events."

That total compares well to what the Rotary Club has raised in other years, though they usually make about the same for their foundation as well thanks to an auction, pop-up bar, and other events during a sit-down dinner. But the money raised will go right back into the community. 

"We do have our commitment to the Mel Murray Cactus Park, they're updating the concession there," Dr. Olsen said. "We do have a commitment as well to the Estevan Bears. We have the Ron Areshenkoff Memorial Dressing Room with them."

People were driving up to the curling club to pick up their lobsters all throughout the day and were frequently lined up to do so. Even the weather seemed to be on their side as it was a mostly sunny day and the wind took a back seat for a while. 

"It was very exciting to see our club supporters who are there in person most years," said Dr. Olsen. "It was exciting to see everybody come out and support us. We're really happy with how the event went."

As for the lobster itself, there were rave reviews. Getting fresh seafood of any kind on the prairies is a trick, but there were some lobster connoisseurs who gave the quality of this year's catch two thumbs up.

"I talked to some people actually from that east coast," Dr. Olsen said. "They said the lobsters were pretty darned delicious, so I'd say that's a seal of approval."