Rotary Club Of Annapolis Sponsors Massive Crab Feast For Charity

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)— They'll be eating steamed crabs by the thousands this evening in Annapolis. The world's largest crab feast is just getting underway.

Ron Matz reports it's a fundraising tradition now in its 66th year.

Crabs, crabs and more crabs. Folks will eat 40,000 of them Friday evening at Navy Marine Corps on Memorial Stadium.

It's the world's biggest crab feast sponsored by the Rotary Club of Annapolis. Chairman Randy Goff joined us on Eyewitness News Morning Edition to give us the full menu.

"It's a wonderful event," Goff said. "They'll eat about 40,000 crabs, 3,600 ears of corn, 1300 gallons of crab soup, 1600 hot dogs and 150 pounds of beef barbecue."

They'll remember Rotary Club member Phil Richebourg-- he volunteered at every crab feast for 65 years. He was 91 when he died in April.

"Phil Richebourg was a member of the club since 1946 when the first crab feast was held," said Bill Reagan, president of Rotary Club of Annapolis. "He attended and participated in every one of these through 2010. He was a good guy and worked endlessly. We are dedicating this event to him. His spirit lives on with us."

The money raised Friday night benefits local organizations in Annapolis and in other parts of Anne Arundel County.

"I always say eat a crab and feed the homeless," said Lee Scott, Rotary Club of Annapolis. "This money goes for people in our community that are suffering, people that are homeless, people that have lost jobs. We are there to help them, so this is a fun event but you're helping people."

"We give out the grants through applications, so you can apply on our web site, and then we look at all the different organizations within our community and we have a committee set up and they vote on who gets the money," Scott added.

An Annapolis tradition where there's food, fun and a chance to help others.

"It will be great time for adults and children," Reagan said. "The money will go to local nonprofits. We contribute to 44 different nonprofits. It goes for a great cause."

This year's crab feast continues until 8 p.m. Friday, and tickets are still available. Last year's event raised nearly $50,000 for local charities.