By Joe Vincent, July 30, 2021
Covid didn’t stop resourceful Greater Albany Rotarians from continuing their long history of successful fund raising. In the past, the Albany Community has enjoyed the club’s highly successful Crab Fest gathering…faithfully held in early February for over twenty years. In addition to delicious Dungeness Crab, the Crab Fest has also included big tent live music, spectacular raffle drawings, an oyster bar, and much more. But, Whoa!!! Pandemic restrictions this year spurred the club to change direction!
In May the club offered prepackaged Cajun Boiler Bags to 100 local citizens to pick up at sponsor Calapooia Brewing in Downtown Albany. Mouthwatering ingredients included shrimp, crawfish, clams, mussels, andouille sausage, an ear of corn, roasted medley potatoes, cajun butter and a baguette. And, since restrictions on gatherings had just been lifted, this turned into a fabulous fellowship opportunity as club members in custom designed orange vests gathered to greet, thank and hand out the bags to our supporters.
Cajun Boiler Bags quickly sold out! So, this Labor Day weekend (September 2nd and 3rd from 3-7 p.m.), Club President Brian Oare is increasing the number of Bags to 150!!! Fans of Cajun Cooking will once again drop by sponsor Calapooia Brewing at 140 NE Hill Street to support the club and pick up their Rotary branded bags. A sell out is again expected…and the club hopes to see a return of the Crab Fest next February.