2024 Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl Lob’STAR gives ‘pinch-perfect performance’

BRIDGEWATER, N.S. — It was a ‘lobster-tunity’ Fay Patey of Bridgewater couldn’t pass up – the chance to audition to be the 2024 Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl Lob’STAR.

When she found out she had won, Patey says she was “shell-shocked and crust-elated at the news.”

“I have been shell-ected as the Lob STAR for 2024! A Claw-riffic buttery dipped dream come true. Really was Claw-struck!” she says. “I remember reading the email over and over and waiting two whole days before I could tell anyone. So many people were asking, including some restaurant owners and some of the participating places. I was bursting at the seams! And of course, I will be shellibrating with lobster!”

Patey’s seven-minute audition video was a work in progress for much of 2023.

“I was at Saltscapes last year and at the South Shore tourism booth they were talking about the auditions for the next Lob’STAR. My ears perked and I interrupted them jokingly and said, no need to interview, I am a LobSTAR and I will make you proud!” she says.

“They giggled, but I started recruiting all the folks I dragged out for lobster to start collecting photos and their memories of their adventures with me. It was a heck of a lot of fun. I do make people crack the lobsters with no tools other than the lobster part themselves, and that is as much of the experience for my out-of-town guests as the succulent delight of lobster butter residue and aiming your claws to splash your friends,” Patey says.

Unless there is heavy snowfalls or cancellations, Patey says she plans on “being everywhere” during the Lobster Crawl and will plan visits to the participating restaurants when she is those communities.

“As much as I crack the jokes and tell a few tales (and tails), I take my appointment, and my lobster very seriously. I will be diligent in representing all of the Lob’STARS out there to the best of my ability,” she says.

Pinch-perfect pitch

“Fay Patey’s pinch-perfect performance captivated audiences from the beginning, securing a well-deserved spot as the top lobster luminary. This crustacean-tastic achievement is not to be taken lightly, as the competition featured an array of talented contenders vying for the coveted title,” said the South Shore Tourism Cooperative (SSTC) in a media release announcing the winner. “This Lob’STAR not only stood out, but clawed their way to the top with finesse, leaving spectators in awe of their shell-ebration skills.”

SSTC coordinator Stephanie Miller Vincent says the SSTC received four times the number of auditions for the 2024 Lobster Crawl Lob’STAR as they did last year when the role was introduced.

Now in its sixth year, the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl is organized by the SSTC and continues to grow every year, with more and more businesses and community organizations along the South Shore, from Peggy’s Cove to Barrington, getting involved by hosting activities, events or offering packages.

Lucy the Lobster’s Groundhog Day prediction at the North East Point on the Cape Sable Island waterfront always gets the Lobster Crawl rolling.

“Lucy heads to the spa after her appearance on Feb 2,” says Miller Vincent. “She’ll be available for shellfies after her big prediction.”

The annual Lobster Roll-Off Competition is one of the premiere events of the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl. Being held this year on Feb. 4 at the Michelin Social & Athletic Club at 221 Logan Road in Bridgewater, the change of venue “has allowed us to host a ‘More on the Shore Marketplace Showcase’ during the competition so we’re excited to have other South Shore Tourism Members showcasing their offerings,” says Miller Vincent.

Vendors include Saltbox Brewing the Official Beer, Black Harbour Distillers the Official Spirit, and District 33 Winery the Official Wine of Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl, as well as local artists.

Twelve renowned restaurants from the region will be competing for the coveted title of the Best Lobster Roll.

“Get ready for an exhilarating afternoon that’s bound to leave you buzzing with excitement!” says Samantha Brannen, chairperson of the South Shore Tourism Cooperative, in a media release. “We’re gearing up for the 2024 Lobster Roll-Off Competition, where the thrill of the event is as electrifying as the anticipation in the air. With a dynamic mix of new and returning restaurants, this promises to be an afternoon of pure excitement! We’re ready to roll, are you?”

New events

New events added to this year’s Lobster Crawl include the Lobster Chowder Chowdown Showdown at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown on Feb. 11 and the Beachside Bingo Brunch at the Quarterdeck Resort on Feb. 25.

Ten restaurants will compete for best lobster chowder at the showdown. Guests will have an opportunity to sample all 10 chowders as well as offerings from additional South Shore businesses in this afternoon of sipping and savouring.

Also new this year is the Barrington Area Food Tour hosted by Nova Scotia Explorer. Participants will start at the Barrington Museum Complex’s Old Meeting House for the story behind the new Lobster Fishery Tartan, and try a new hands-on crafting experience. From there, they will visit Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack, where they can sample a dish, or two, and take ‘a shellfie’ with Lucy the Lobster. A behind-the-scenes tour of a lobster facility and a traditional steamed lobster dinner will complete the tour.

The ‘Captured by the Crew’ Photo Contest for the 2024 Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl has been ongoing since the six-month lobster season opened in late November/early December along the South Shore. Local fishers submit photos of their days on the water catching the tasty crustaceans for a chance to win one of two prizes.

“We work in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia each year to have travel media on the South Shore during Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl. They, plus the Lob’STAR, are the judges of the roll-off competition. This year we will be visited by Sherry Ott, Jay Kana and Pamela MacNaughtan,” says Miller Vincent.

Patey, meanwhile, says she is super excited about meeting Lucy, as well as the chowder event and the lobster roll off.

“To anyone who knows me it’s the best gift ever,” she says.

Further information about the Lobster Crawl, as well as events tickets, are available online at lobstercrawl.ca.