Lobster, corn on the cob and potatoes; those are just part of the catch for Main Street Lockport’s Lobster Fest.
In its second year, LobsterFest, a fundraiser held Saturday, Oct.7, netted proceeds, in part, to support the Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery.
“[We hope] to support the museum, to let people know that Main Street Lockport is out there, [and] to make the public aware,” said Sue Sperling, treasurer for Main Street Lockport.
Main Street Lockport is a nonprofit organization that focuses on the downtown historic district through efforts to beautify, preserve, revitalize and promote the city.
Lobster Fest consisted of four seatings, with one taking place at the top of every hour beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets were $60, and it provided individuals with one lobster meal, a drink and a donation to the museum.
Peggy Pelkonen, of Lockport, had not attended Lobster Fest before, but the event came with some anticipation for her.
“I heard about it last year, but it sold out,” she said. “I was looking forward to it.”
Pelkonen said she considers herself to be “big fan” of sea food and went on to say she “thought it would be fun to go with friends, try something new, and support Lockport.”
Pelkonen dined for the evening with her boyfriend, Rick Motta, and their friends, Karin Shields and Thomas Moreno.
“They’re foodies, so I thought they would like to try it,” she said of her friends.
This year’s event was held inside the Illinois State Museum. There, attendees enjoyed games, food and live music put on by Mixed Company.
Pelkonen said the event did not disappoint.
“It’s nice, for sure,” she said.
Anthony Chirico, of Naperville, said he is glad he decided to come out for Lobster Fest.
“My parents came last year,” she said. “They invited us to come back home and eat some lobster.”
Anthony sat for dinner with his girlfriend, Arielle Wydra, and his parents, John and Lisa Chirico.
“It’s a pretty good time,” he said. “It’s nice to see more events happening in Lockport. When I was a kid, there was Canal Days and World War II Days, but it’s nice to see more events in the downtown.”
Anthony said the experience was nothing short of positive for his girlfriend, his parents and himself.
“It’s a family affair,” he said.
Lobster Fest was made possible with contributions put in by the Main Street Lockport board and volunteers.