CARLYLE — The 2025 Lobsterfest fundraiser for the Carlyle District Fire Department was a big success.
Lobsterfest started in 2015 as a fundraiser for the fire department.
“We planned on having another in two years, as we alternate with Redvers each year,” said volunteer firefighter Michelle Orsted. “But with changes to the rink, the build of the fire hall, and COVID, we were unable to host again until 2023 when we were able to host right at the fire hall.”
All of the money raised goes towards upgrading equipment.
“Equipment is expensive and there’s only so much in a budget, so as a department we do our part in being able to do upgrades in equipment and tools,” said Orsted, who is one of the main organizers of Lobsterfest.
“We need to get new sets of gear as they expire and the cost is approximately $4,000 a set. [We also need] boots, gloves, balaclavas [since they] wear out. We have had to replace our IR [infrared] cameras. Upgrading wildland gear is [also] one of the recent expenses.” continued Orsted.
This year’s Lobsterfest was done differently, with a small live auction done by Jason LeBlanc with Steffes Auctions, a silent auction and a 50/50.
The event was MC’d by Trevor Gowan who has been with Lobsterfest from the beginning.
“He is a lot of fun, keeping everyone engaged as he knows the area and businesses,” said Orsted.
Chef David Powell and his wife MaryLynn came from Indian Head to cook and serve this year’s meal, as per usual.
“They are the leaders of our supper. Dave is well known for his Lobsterfest venue. Cooking and prep staff was Shaun, Jaxson and Kruze Orsted,” said Orsted.
Orsted says they received a lot of support from the business community and surrounding area.
“We can’t thank them enough,” said Orsted. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to have both a silent and live auction.”
“We also had some amazing people donate personal donations, like our Pie Man Dennis Feduk; he brought two pies for the auction and brought in $2,000,” continued Orsted. “Duncan Brown donated a flight tour of Moose Mountain Provincial Park, Dave and Shelley Slykhuis for a batch of Dickens Famous corn chowder. Every little bit helps no matter big or small and it’s appreciated.”
Orsted also wanted to thank Garth, Brock and Tyra Newell for running the bar, and Sandy Debusschere and Kim Rubbert for building the bar at the last minute.
“It takes a lot of work preparing and canvassing for the fundraiser before the actual day. We would like to thank all the businesses and people for their donations, the RM office for helping with ticket sales, all our volunteers for the day of the supper; without them, it wouldn’t have been such a successful event,” said Orsted.
This year’s Lobsterfest sold 188 tickets for supper but had ordered enough for 215 people. They live auctioned the extra lobster and clam chowder ,plus the live auction had 20 items that brought in $18,000, and the silent auction also had 20 items, bringing in $3,400. The 50/50 take-home was $1,050 this year.
In total Lobsterfest raised $26,000, thanks to everyone who purchased supper tickets and took part in the auction.
The Carlyle District Fire Department will also be raising money for equipment with their summer barbecue.
