In addition to featuring Midcoast Maine lobsters during its Family Fun Day Lobster Bake on Sunday, Aug. 8, the Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) will offer guests the chance to enjoy local entertainment and other culinary specialties of the region.

The Oystermen, purveyors of fine folk music, will provide a rollicking background for the event. The group will be represented by Eric Rolfson and Jeff “Smokey” McKeen. 

Rolfson was born in France, has written textbooks on how to use folk songs in the classroom while teaching American history and social studies, and has represented the U.S. on musical and cultural exchanges, primarily in developing countries. 

In addition to being the head of operations of the Pemaquid Oyster Co., McKeen is a recognized folklorist who has worked for numerous cultural organizations in Maine and the Canadian maritimes. He’s produced folk festivals, radio documentaries, and collected traditional songs and dances. He served on the Maine Arts Commission from 2002 to 2005. 

“We’re looking forward to hearing strains of Woody Guthrie’s ‘This Land is Your Land’ waft across Cider Hill Farm and fill our big tent,” said Valarie Johnson, a member of the LCDC Fundraising Committee.

The Bake will also feature a cash raw oyster bar courtesy of the HUB, Bristol’s newest retail seafood outlet. The HUB will supply freshly-shucked Pemaquid Oysters accompanied by the unique mignonette sauces by WaldoStone Farm, of Bristol. 

“Kayli McKeen’s incomparable seaweed/cucumber mignonette delivers all the briny freshness of the HUB’s Pemaquid Oysters,” said Geoff Bates, chair of fundraising. 

“Thanks to the generous donations by these two local businesses, all purchases at the oyster bar will go straight to our organization,” shared Johnson.

Jeff Hurd, owner of Waldoboro’s Narrows Tavern will cater the event for the third year. 

“Jeff has graciously offered his Cider Hill Farm site, at 785 Main St. in Waldoboro, for the event,” Johnson continued. “This is a gorgeous setting, with rolling meadows and shade trees for our activities. It’s a great afternoon for families and friends.”

The Family Fun Day Lobster Bake is an annual event hosted by the LCDC and is open to the public. This slice of Americana will feature the Democratic big tent and grassroots politicking at its most personal. The afternoon begins at Noon with a social hour accompanied by The Oystermen. Dinner is served when the lobsters (or your choice of grilled hot dogs or a vegan meal) come off the grill at 1 p.m. Short speeches by representatives in government follow and there will be lots of opportunities to support the LCDC via three separate onsite raffles. Details of sponsorships can be accessed, along with a link to make reservations, at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/lobster. The deadline for reservations is Monday, Aug. 2. For more information about this event, please contact Bates at 207-644-8776.

The LCDC uses the money they raise through this and other fundraising initiatives to support their local efforts in Lincoln County. Its grassroots mission is to organize volunteers and communicate with voters in support of candidates who believe in the Democratic ideals and principles of government by, of, and for all the people.