The Sebastian Clambake Lagoon Festival filled Riverview Park to capacity last weekend with an estimated crowd of more than 50,000 attending the three-day Take Me Out to the Clambake-themed event.
Ideal 80-degree temperatures and a swift breeze kept attendees cool as they enjoyed a variety of prepared seafood dishes including various clam specialties, shrimp, fried fish and this year’s new menu item, crab cakes.
The food is always the main draw, but there was also plenty of live musical entertainment, Kid’s Zone activities and vendor tents that kept crowds strolling. The Sebastian Police K-9 Unit demonstration, Castaways’ Survivors Camp bonfire lighting, Sebastian River High School Drumline and a Brevard Equestrian Center demo added to the fun.
The Clambake was established in 2002 by John King of ReMax Realty and the late City of Sebastian attorney Rich Stringer as a way to bring the community together and raise the city’s visibility. The 10-member organization decides by vote what projects will benefit from money raised through food sales and vendor fees. The foundation has granted more than $600,000 to local nonprofits since its inception.
This year’s beneficiaries are Sebastian United Methodist Church, for kitchen improvements; the Sebastian Elk’s Club, for an outdoor pavilion project; Kashi Ashram, to improve food storage for their feeding program; and the United Church of Sebastian, for a Buddy Break playground for special needs children.
“We broke our record this year by a lot,” said Sebastian Clambake Foundation President Anjani Cirillo, who hoped to raise $180,000 to cover expenses and fund projects. “We have 650 volunteers and none are getting anything out of this other than helping raise money for other organizations.”
Cirillo said she believes the event shines a light on Sebastian and its sense of community, while showcasing a special kind of spirit she has rarely seen elsewhere.
One little guy, 3-year-old Ryan, was entranced by the drumline that was pounding out a beat by the stage and danced happily as the music grew louder.
“Apparently, he loves those drums,” said his amused mother, Jenna Taylor. “Plus he loves superheroes and there is a handmade Superman ornament that we are going to have to go buy.”
Many of the vendors were pleased with the turnout, saying sales were way up this year and that the cooler temperatures might have put people into the holiday gift-buying spirit.
“I love the smiles,” said Jackie Meyers of JM Ceramics, whose comical gators on a shelf had shoppers laughing. “People are awesome here. They are all having fun, our sales are great and everyone is smiling.”
In addition to vendor tents, many nonprofit agencies also supported the festival including the #LiveLikeCole Foundation, established in memory of Cole Coppola, the high school student struck and killed by a motorist on the Alma Lee Loy Bridge.
“Not only did Cole love Indian River County but he also loved the live music and steamed clams at the Clambake, especially when he was enjoying them with his family and friends,” said Cole’s sister, Melanie Coppola.
