NORWICH – While the Chenango County Republican Committee is still months away from its annual Lobster Fest gala, members are already at the drawing board planning the event with big changes in mind for its 40th anniversary.

Come July, the organization will hold what Chenango County Republican Committee Chair Tom Morrone has long hailed as the “most non-political political event of the year.” Despite its affiliation with local Republicans, the event isn’t defined by partisanship, said Morrone. Instead, it’s an event where both ends of the political spectrum can talk diplomacy and seafood in one sitting.

The big change this year? The event will relocate from its birthplace at the Canasawacta Country Club on County Road 44 to the Northeast Classic Car Museum on Rexford Street in Norwich. According to Morrone, the move is part of a grander effort to spotlight public affairs while promoting one of Chenango County’s leading attractions.

“Our theme this year is ‘A New Destination,” Morrone said. “By moving it to the Classic Car Museum, we are trying to be more supportive to the community, and one thing that we have always tried to practice in the Republican Party is support for the community.”