Weather was the word of the day for those who worked or attended Sandy Hook LobsterFest last weekend.

On Friday, June 6, the first of the annual two-day event, it was hot and humid. By Saturday the heat started to break but the skies were overcast for much of the day and then heavy rain punctuated afternoon and evening.

Nevertheless, a strong dinner line and large crowds were seen both evenings at the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue main station, where a few thousand people enjoyed dinner, live music, and plenty of socializing during LobsterFest 2025. The fire company has presented the popular fundraiser all but two years since 1988. COVID forced the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021.

SHVFR Chief Anthony Capozziello made regular rounds through the crowd and building, greeting all ages as they arrived for dinner or just to socialize and enjoy the party.

Entrée choices were once again lobster, steak, hamburgers and hot dogs. Dinner tickets also included sides of sorn on the cob, potato salad, Manhattan-style clam chowder, a dinner roll, and a soda or water. Organizers told The Newtown Bee over 1,500 lobsters and 600 steaks were served over the two nights.

A raw bar was also operating — this year offering oysters until they sold out on Friday — and a full bar was kept busy both nights. Dessert was again covered by SHVFR Ladies Auxiliary, who sold ice cream and cupcakes.

John Voket returned, performing acoustic sets during the early hours of each night’s dinner hours. Local bands also performed full shows, with Nashville Drive headlining on Friday and then Rum Runners on Saturday.

Members of the fire company and its ladies auxiliary were supplemented by a few dozen volunteers, from family and friends to community members who wanted to offer their time and talents to keep the dinner line moving, tables clean, and things running smoothly.