68th Annual Annapolis Rotary Club Crab Feast Goes Green For Local Charities

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—If you like steamed crabs, Annapolis is the place to be Friday. It's time for the world's largest crab feast.

Ron Matz says this annual event is about great food, friendship and a whole lot more.

Steamed crabs on a summer evening are a Maryland tradition. Friday at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, it's the world's largest crab feast, a benefit sponsored by the Rotary Club of Annapolis.

"This crab feast is one of our two major fundraisers," said Bea Carson, president of the Rotary Club of Annapolis. "It raises between $60,000 and $80,000 that we give back to the community."

"This is our 68th annual crab feast, and we're really looking forward to a huge turnout. It's been successful every year," Carson said.

About 2,500 people will finish off nearly 30,000 crabs, 320 bushels of corn, 100 gallons of crab soup and more.

"Obviously the food is the centerpiece, and I have to say it's the best deal in town," said Jeff Neufeld, crab feast chairman. "Year after year, we've held our prices down. It's $60 all you can eat crabs, beer, hot dogs, sandwiches, watermelon, corn on the cob, soup. It's all there."

There's a good feeling in Annapolis because area charities will benefit.

"The purpose of the crab feast is to raise grant money that we give back to the community," said David Lillefloren, crab feast assistant chair. "It goes to at least 30 local charities that are in need of our grants. They're all local to Annapolis and the surrounding area."

This year's crab feast will be even more environmentally friendly.

"We've always had a focus on recycling at the crab feast," Neufeld said. "You can imagine with 2,000 people eating three hours straight, all you can eat, there's quite a pile at the end of the day. This year in a trial area we're going to be composting."

It's about good friends enjoying great crabs and helping others.

"We want everyone who shows up to have a great experience," Carson said. "It's a wonderful family event, and we just want to keep making it better and better."

Friday's crab feast runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the stadium and online. For more information, click here.