NORWICH – Hundreds of state and local legislators and their constituents turned out for a mix of seafood and politics during the Chenango Republican Committee’s annual Lobster Fest held at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich on Sunday.

Long hailed as the most “non-political” political event of the year, Lobster Fest typically draws approximately 500 attendees of every political spectrum, including dozens of government officials from the state and local levels, said Chenango Republican Committee Chair Tom Morrone.

This year’s gala served as a networking opportunity for local and state leaders, and a chance for voters to personally weigh-in their concerns on today’s pressing issues; something Morrone said has made Lobster Fest increasingly important in recent years.

“It’s always been a community get-together no matter what party people are from, Democrats and Republicans,” said Morrone, citing political differences as a cause gridlock in government. “This is a good way to bring unity and I think if we’re going to have unity, it’s really what will help get things done.”

Sunday was also a stop on the campaign trail for many state legislators running for election or re-election in November. The event was attended by Republican Lieutenant Governor hopeful Christopher Moss along with members of the State Senate and Assembly, including Sen.Tom Libous. It marked Libous’ first appearance in Chenango County since being indicted this month on charges of falsifying information to the Federal Bureau of Investigators during a corruption investigation in 2010.