NORWICH – If you have a craving for shell fish dipped in vats of melted butter, Chenango County is the place to be this weekend. On Sunday, the Chenango County Republican Committee will hold their annual fundraising event, Lobsterfest.

Lobsterfest is a tradition that began more than 30 years ago when former Assembly Minority Leader Clarence D. “Rapp” Rappleyea first entered the New York State legislature. Rappleyea, who was a Norwich native, said he came up with the idea because of his friendship with then Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Perry D. Duryea.

“He was probably the biggest lobster-man on the east coast,” Rappleyea said. “And he went to Colgate, so he was familiar with Chenango County. So we came up with the idea to do a once a year fundraiser.”

In time, the event became more than just a fundraiser. It was the chance to showcase Chenango County to people throughout the state and beyond, and eventually it became a destination for people running for political office.

“We’ve had people come from everywhere, and it gives them a peek at central New York and Chenango County,” Rappleyea said.