It was a shell of a good time as hundreds scuttled to the 45th annual Rotary Club of Lloydminster Lobsterfest.
The event served fresh lobster and steak for big appetites at the WLS Convention Centre.
Lobster arrived at the event less than 48 hours after leaving the sea, leaving Halifax at 2 a.m. the day before. Volunteers boiled them in large outdoor pots for 15 minutes each. The result was a feast that has guests coming back year after year.
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“Lobsterfest 2025 was an amazing success. Ticket sales were up, people were excited and were there to have lots of fun,” said Rotary Club of Lloydminster president Tara Shirtliffe. “We don’t have our final numbers yet, but I think everyone there enjoyed the event and looks forward to next year.”
Lobsterfest is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers. Shirtliffe knows it helps people understand what the club does. The event supports local groups like the Men’s Shelter, Youth Centre, Interval Home, KidSport, the Lloydminster Sexual Assault Centre and more.
There was an auction for a nearly six-pound lobster. It featured Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers as the auctioneer. After much prodding, the lobster sold for $2,000.
Guests enjoyed steak and lobster dinners, 50/50 draws, live music from the band Five on the Side, raffles and a lively dance floor.
“It’s a great way to bring people together and help the community,” said one volunteer helping at the event.
Tickets were $100 each and $800 for a table of eight. Every seat sold helps fund local needs.
Organizers partnered with local sponsors to make sure everything ran smoothly, from the cooking setup to the entertainment.
After 45 years, Lobsterfest remains a Lloydminster favourite. “We’re already looking forward to next year,” said Shirtliffe.
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