The Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC)  has announced their last call for reservations and their list of confirmed candidates and elected officials planning to attend its Family Fun Day Lobster Bake, Sunday, Aug. 7, noon to 3 p.m. The event will be hosted for the sixth year at Cider Hill Farm in Waldoboro. 

The annual event, hosted by the LCDC, is open to the public. The afternoon begins at noon with a social hour with cash wine/beer and oyster bars accompanied by live music. Dinner is served when the lobsters (or the guest’s choice of hot dogs or a vegan meal) come off the grill at 1 p.m. Short speeches by candidates and elected officials follow and there will be opportunities to support the LCDC via three separate onsite raffles.

Candidates vying for open seats who plan to attend include: Cameron Reny, candidate for Senate District 13 (all towns in Lincoln County except Dresden, plus Windsor in Kennebec County and Washington in Knox County); Clint Collamore, candidate for the new House District 45 (Bremen, Louds Island, and Waldoboro in Lincoln County plus Friendship and Washington in Knox County); and Pam Swift, candidate for the new House District 62 (Somerville and Hibberts Gore in Lincoln County, China and Windsor in Kennebec County, and Palermo in Waldo County).

Collamore, a fourth-generation lobsterman, has attended the bake for years and said, “We’ve had a great time in the past at this event. It’s a time to relax, to reflect, and be thankful for how lucky we are to be where we are in life—good friends, good times!” 

Swift said, "In my campaign's infancy as a first-time candidate, I was put in touch with the LCDC leadership. They gave me invaluable advice and logistical guidance. Then LCDC jumped into action by hosting a multi-candidate signing event to help us complete our nomination petitions. LCDC literally got my campaign off the ground and I am beyond grateful."

The following Lincoln County incumbents also plan to attend: House District 90 State Rep. Lydia Crafts (D-Newcastle), candidate for the new House District 46 (Bristol, Damariscotta, Monhegan Island, Newcastle, and Nobleboro); House District 89 Rep. Holly Stover (D-Boothbay), candidate for the new House District 48 (Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, South Bristol, Southport, and Westport Island); and District 2 County Commissioner Bill Blodgett (Bremen, Bristol, Loud’s Island, Monhegan Island, Nobleboro, South Bristol, and Waldoboro).

Crafts shared, “It’s an amazing gathering where guests enjoy a festive lobster bake filled with great company, palpable organizing energy, and a chance to support all the incredible campaign efforts leading up to November 8.” 

Special guests include legislative leaders State Senate President Troy Jackson (D-Allagash), State Senate Majority Leader Vitelli (D-Arrowsic), candidate for the new Senate District 24 (Dresden in Lincoln County plus all of Sagadahoc County), and Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford).

Vitelli reflected on the committee’s grassroots’ effectiveness in her confirmation of attendance, "I'm deeply grateful for Lincoln County Democratic Committee's support. Their passion, dedication, and organization is inspiring and truly makes a difference in electing Democrats." 

Fecteau, attending for the second time, summed it up, "Mainers know what's on the line in November. With so much national uncertainty concerning the fate of reproductive rights, same-sex marriage, voter enfranchisement, and more, Mainers can be certain that the only way to protect and advance policies regarding the greatest issues of our time will be to send Governor Mills and Democrats back to the Blaine House and State House, respectively. Lincoln County will be key to determining the outcome of this election. I'm grateful to break bread and crack some lobsters with these dedicated and enthusiastic Lincoln County Democrats!"

The Lobster Bake is an all-American event that will feature the Democratic big tent and grassroots politicking at its most personal. It is also an opportunity for candidates and elected officials to rub shoulders with voters—just one aspect of LCDC’s campaign support. 

Details and the reservation form can be found at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/lobster. The deadline for online reservations is Friday, Aug. 5. For more information about this event, please contact Geoff Bates at 644-8776.