NORTH NORWICH – Looking for a chance to meet federal, state and local elected officials and political candidates face to face in a social atmosphere? Well, look no further. LobsterFest is all that and more, according to Chenango County Republican Chairman Tom Morrone.

The fundraiser, which Morrone likes to bill as the area’s most “non-political” political event, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 17 at the Canasawacta Country Club Pavillion.

Lobster Fest has been a tradition in Chenango County for longer than Morrone has been the Republican chairman. (Which is saying something since, with 30 years under his belt, he is the longest running party chair in the state.) Since its inception in the mid-70s, when it was started by Clarence “Rapp” Rappleyea, it has served as the county Republicans’ sole fundraiser.

According to Morrone, the beauty of the event – and the key to its nearly four decades of success – is that it is as far removed as possible from a typical political event.

“People get antsy with politics,” he said. So, he has set about creating an event which is the antithesis to that. Rather than endure a formal dinner with numerous, long-winded speakers, those who attend Lobster Fest enjoy a relaxed environment in a beautiful setting where they can actually talk one-on-one with candidates and elected officials, he explained.