(Tyler Murphy Photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Republican Committee’s 45th Annual Lobsterfest fundraiser will be held this weekend.

It is one of the largest gatherings of locally elected Republican officials to take place. County, town and state representatives are expected to attend.

Lobsterfest guests will include state Senators James Seward and Fred Akshar, Assemblymen Cliff Crouch, and Gary Finch.

The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m., on Sunday, July 21 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. Tickets are $60.

Republican’s are a minority in the state and working to break a Democratic lock on power. The coming years could be pivotal for the party in New York.

Republican Chairman Tom Morrone said the best way to move forward was to listen to the voters.

He said all were welcome to attend the event and share input, no matter the party affiliation.

“We don’t care frankly and we don’t ask, we want to listen to what people in the area have on their minds and have a good time with some good weather and food while we do it.”

Lobsterfest also doubles as the only fundraising event of the year for the Chenango County Republican Committee and its annual endeavors in donating to Chenango County Dollars for Scholars.

Besides lobster there will also be BBQ chicken, other food selections and beverages.

Lobsterfest was started over 30 years ago by Chenango County native and long-time Assembly-minority leader Clarence “Rapp” Rappleyea.

Since Rappleyea first rolled out Lobsterfest in 1975, the social event has been a summertime staple in Chenango County.

Dubbed the area’s only “non-political political event,” Morrone says the informal environment at Lobsterfest is what’s made it such a popular draw. Morrone said the event was about the local people officials were meant to represent.

The long-time county Republican chairman said on average about 500 people from several different counties, including Broome, Tioga, Cortland and Otsego attended.