Aiken SC Lobster Race Spoofs Kentucky Derby

Yep, 100 thoroughbred lobsters will go claw to claw this year in the 2010 Lobster Race in Aiken, SC.

You read it right. For the 26^th consecutive year, lobsters will compete to see who has the fastest legs, a sight that's quite familiar for residents throughout Aiken County, not to mention neighboring Barnwell County and the Augusta area. Crowds of up to 10,000 are expected to attend.

"The lobsters race about ten feet," says Kara Flanders, a volunteer for the event. "Some lobsters scurry down the track, others move slowly and some just refuse to race."

The Lobster Race has turned into a reunion of sorts, because those who've moved away often return to Aiken for the festivities. The event got its official start in 1984 when a group of friends decided to spoof the Kentucky Derby while acknowledging the horsing industry's impact on Aiken. The race is always held on the first Friday in May, the day before the Kentucky Derby.

Aiken resident Stewart Maurice says the idea for racing lobsters came up at a party, and although he wasn't in attendance, he became involved early on, along with pals Todd Stilp and Chuck Martin. All three still organize the event, and as it's grown, participation from others has increased.

"We never thought it would it would go on," says Maurice, whose main job it is to get individuals and sponsors to help out, adding that the Boy Scouts clean up the day after the races. "We thought it would peter out."

Lobsters can be "adopted" for a fee of $125 or businesses can pay up to $10,000 for sponsorship. While the deadline for adopting this year has passed, proceeds are given to programs that help people with physical and mental disabilities in Aiken County.

While the lobster race is the main attraction, there are other things to do as well. The East Coast Party Band will take to the main stage, playing beach music and oldies, perfect for dancing the shag. Four other stages will be scattered about, with bands such as Merging Traffic, Anybody's Guess, Rider, Lowdown Brown, and Palmetto Groove playing their tunes.

The lobsters come from Southside Seafood in Atlanta, and have to be kept in water with just the right mixture of salt, says Maurice. And although he's usually busy with tickets and doesn't get to see much of the races, he knows the crustaceans have minds of their own. "Some will just turn around," he says.

The festivities start at the Newberry Street Festival Center at 6 pm and end at 11 pm, with the main races starting at 7:30. There will be activities for children, including interactive rides and games. Local groups will also perform on the Community Stage, and of course food will be available from restaurants or street vendors.

So for all this effort, what do the winners of the races get?

The winning lobsters are returned to the sea while the losers are usually donated to non-profit groups and are occasionally enjoyed by volunteers. " says Flanders. "There is no tangible award for racing a winning lobster except for bragging rights for next year."

www.lobsterrace.com