Sandy Hook’s Lobsterfest:

Where Newtown Comes Out Of Its Shell

By Steve Bigham

Newtown residents devoured some 1,700 lobsters last weekend at the annual Lobsterfest put on by the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Company.

Chief Bill Halstead called the 13th annual fundraiser a big success, with more than 2,300 people packing the Riverside Road facility Friday and Saturday, June 9-10.

Non-seafood lovers also took care of 550 steaks.

“It was a very good weekend for us,” Chief Halstead said. “As far as lobsters, it was the most we have ever sold.”

Friday turned out to be the biggest night, with the line stretching around the side of the building and toward the rear parking lot. Once inside, the lobster lovers enjoyed a 1½-pound lobster, chowder, corn on the cob, and potato salad.

When it was all over Saturday night, 40 pounds of clams on the half shell, 50 bushels or 3,000 ears of corn, 65 dozen dinner rolls, and 125 pounds of potato salad were served. The hungry crowd also put down 35 gallons of clam chowder. In addition, the crowd drained 24 kegs of beer and 40-50 gallons of soda.

According to Chief Halstead, 860 lobsters were sold on Friday night, forcing the company to pick up more lobsters from Garbo’s Lobsters in Stonington for Saturday.

“We didn’t want to turn anyone away,” he said.

On Friday, the fire company was forced to throw out $2,000 worth of steak due to a problem with one of the coolers.

BJ Halstead and Anthony Capozziello organized this year’s event. They got plenty of help from the more than 65 firefighters and ladies’ auxiliary members who volunteered their time. Some worked along the food line, serving dinner to patrons, some of whom waited more than 90 minutes in line. Others worked behind the scenes, cooking lobster, shucking corn, and testing the drinkability of the beer.

Then there was the clean-up crew that managed to keep the place tidy.

The firehouse has a seating capacity of 450.