Journey’s End held court at a booth and Chef Calbert Santiago and staff served out-of-this-world dishes like stewed, curried and Cajun lobster. Yum!

Hands down the best booth went to “Deluscious” who went all out with the lobster theme.

The Rico’s crowd celebrates their big win with Chef Luis Cawich's “Lobster Quiche”, which judges claimed was sinfully irresistible. The staff at Rico’s Bar and Grill also took second in the best drink category with their “Summer Love” concoction.

"Got Lobster?" Reef Radio’s Jorge Aldana holds up the guest of honor! He was a part of the six member judge panel and got a taste of many scrumptious platters.

        Through the sheer dedication of the San Pedro Business Association and community members for two years now, the San Pedro Lobsterfest has endured and many would say, has succeeded in getting better from the success it had last year.

        According to organizers, this year’s participation was doubled which made for an even bigger festival that drew the biggest crowd. A total of sixteen businesses participated and held booths at the block party serving only the best of mouth watering lobster dishes, refreshing beverages and delightful desserts. Lobster lovers from all across the island came together to get a taste of the butter dripping, shell sucking affair and plenty to drink, as well.

        During the night, a panel of judges was on hand to taste all the dishes offered by the booths and at the end of their belly busting ordeal had the task of choosing the lobsterfest winner for “best dish”, “best drink” and “best overall booth”. Of the countless samples and drinks handed out a decision was made: winner for “Best dish” went to none other than Rico’s Bar and Grill with Chef Luis’ creation of the delectable Lobster Quiche. Second place went to Fido’s Sandbar booth who served up a lip smacking “spicy lobster linguini”, whilst third place was won by Blue Lotus with their lobster creation that won the judges approval. In the “best drink” category, the judges all agreed that Playa Lounge’s “Playa Paya”, a thirst quenching papaya based drink stole the competition hands down. Whilst second place went to the hard working crew at the Rico’s Bar and Grill who prepared a special “Summer Love” and “Tropical Storm” drink that wowed the panel. A close third place went to Tackle Box for their “Coco-politan” drink creation. Hands down, this year’s booth presentations were a notch more creative, impressive and even more organized as several booths sold out for up to three times. The prize for “best overall booth” was a tough task, but after careful consideration the judges decided that “Deluscious” a booth by Sharon, Cindy, Paul, Laurie and others who maxed out the lobster theme on their booth would win it.

        In a telephone interview with Rebecca Arceo of the San Pedro Business Association, the turnout this year exceeded that of last year. “It was well organized and started on time. I can say that participation was one of the biggest change for this year. The turnout was excellent because we had doubled in booth participation and what was great about it this year is that people came out early to set up their area. We certainly noticed a lot of creativeness and fresh booth ideas that were quite appealing, everyone really stepped it up this year,” ended Arceo.

        One highlight that was anticipated by many was the presentation of the Lobster King and Queen, since there was no participation for this event, last year’s Lobster King Sterling Vorus and Lobster Queen Alyssa Arceo retained the crown for one more year. When asked what posed the biggest challenge that prevented the competition from happening, Arceo commented, “We did not carry through with the Lobster King and Queen aspect of it because we had no contestants at all. What we wanted was for people to be unique and creative, like having a lobster dance or song. Since it wasn’t held, we have Sterling and Alyssa retain the crown. Next year, we would love to see more and more people participate and be creative in what they do,” she ended.     Of the many highlights during the night, the “Fire Dancers” who came all the way from our sister island Caye Caulker and “The Tumblers” from Belize City wowed the crowd with their dare devil moves, tricks, and tactics.

        Another booth that made a debut and had people signing up was the Neighborhood Watch Committee from the various respective areas. Also, children had the option to get involved in arts and craft with the Coral Ed-Ventures group. Another big hit of the night was the big projection screen that was placed under the big “palapa” at the park for football fans to catch the Belize-Mexico game two, this certainly a drew a crowd. The music provided by DJ Habo was heard bellowing from a distance and the party mood in town was a true testament that the community had a total blast.

        The lobster frenzy lasted for eight days in which people devoured to the max the succulent Caribbean Spiny Lobster. Overall San Pedro’s 2nd Annual Lobsterfest made an impressive repeat and was a resounding delectable success! Be sure to note that this coming weekend June 27th to 29th, Caye Caulker and Placencia will be the place to be as both venues will host their lobsterfest activities. Try not to miss it!