Fresh Maine lobster is making its annual journey south as St. Thomas Episcopal Church prepares to host the 33rd annual Lobsterfest in Huntsville. The family-friendly community gathering is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing together live music, an artisan fair, and a menu featuring fresh seafood, barbecue, ribs, and desserts.
While the event is well-known for its food and festivities, the primary mission of Lobsterfest remains fundraising for local and international outreach organizations. Proceeds from the annual gathering are divided among four distinct charitable groups operating in North Alabama and northern Honduras, supporting everything from local homelessness resources to medical missions abroad.
“Lobsterfest is a very important part of who we are at St. Thomas,” said the Rev. Donavan Cain, rector of the parish. “For over thirty years now, Lobsterfest has given our church the opportunity to offer a fun, family-oriented event to our local community, as well as raise money that goes directly to ministries and organizations serving those in need here in Huntsville and in the country of Honduras.”
Four Huntsville Organizations Receive Event Financial Support
The financial support generated by the 33rd annual event will be distributed equally among four organizations. Locally, the beneficiaries include First Stop, a Huntsville nonprofit that connects individuals experiencing homelessness with vital services, support, and resources to help them achieve independent living. Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer-run organization that builds and delivers beds to children who otherwise lack a bed of their own, is also a recipient.
The local beneficiaries further include Patterson Place, a Huntsville nonprofit that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to continue learning, working, and participating in meaningful community service. Patterson Place maintains a particularly close connection to St. Thomas, having originally launched in physical space provided by the church before expanding into a larger facility.
Internationally, proceeds support the St. Thomas Honduras Medical & Education Mission. This initiative provides medical care, educational assistance, and other critical resources to communities in northern Honduras. Working closely with the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras, the mission regularly sends doctors, dentists, and other professionals to deliver direct care in local clinics.
“We feel incredibly blessed every year by what Lobsterfest brings to our St. Thomas Church family, and we love being able to share that blessing with all of Huntsville!” Cain said.
Lobsterfest 5K Run Starts Celebration on Saturday
The celebration officially gets an early start with the Lobsterfest 5K Run, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at 8 a.m. Participants looking to take part in the race or seeking additional information regarding the main festival can visit lobstersrock.com or contact organizers directly at 256-880-0248.
