Clams, being water-dwellers, don’t mind a little rain and neither did the thousands of clam fans who filled Riverview Park last weekend to enjoy three family-friendly days of music, entertainment and food at this year’s All Clams on Deck-themed Sebastian Clambake Lagoon Festival.
Irresistible aromas from the various food tents pulled clambakers in by their noses to enjoy the star of the weekend, the humble clam, served in all its deliciousness as chowder, steamed clams, clam strips and over linguini.
The Kids’ Zone kept the younger set busy and tents lining the pathways offered a diverse array of arts and crafts; businesses displayed their wares and local organizations touted their causes. There were performances by Indian River Gymnastics; the Sebastian Police K-9 Unit; the Brevard Equestrian Center and the Sebastian Sharks Drumline, and live and DJ music kept the vibe kickin’ throughout.
A unique presentation by the Children’s Literacy Program/Survivor Camp featured members of the Sebastian Junior Woman’s Club within a fenced replica of the Atlantic shoreline, complete with “artifacts” and a fragrant bonfire, reading stories of the treasure-laden 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet which went down in a hurricane off the local coast.
Each year local nonprofits submit applications and Clambake Foundation member organizations determine which will receive proceeds from the event. This year’s beneficiaries are American Legion Post 189, Sebastian Elks Club and Sebastian River High School Crew. To date the Clambake has donated more than $500,000 to local nonprofit capital projects.
