BY STEFANIE JACKSON, Shore First —
The biggest fundraiser of the year for Cape Charles Christian School, the Crabby Blues Festival, returns for its 11th year this month.
This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 7 p.m., at Cape Charles Central Park. Admission is free.
“It started out as wanting to just have something that brought the community together,” said Holly Hubbard, head of school.
The idea for the Crabby Blues Festival originated with Jenny Potts, who was a teacher at Cape Charles Christian School and whose children attended the school.
The purpose of the festival is to raise money for the school as well as “to get our school’s name out in the community and to have a good, positive association with everyone in our community,” Hubbard said.
Last year’s event raised more than $19,000. “We hope to exceed that amount this year,” she said.
The Crabby Blues Festival typically attracts around 750 to 1,000 people.
Fresh steamed crabs and clams will be available for purchase, “because what would a Crabby Blues Festival be without crabs?” Hubbard said.
Other food vendors will offer fare including seafood, Mexican food, and Italian ice.
Live music will be provided by Heather and Nathan Travis, of Cape Charles, opening for the Virginia Beach band, Later That Night.
Kids can have fun with the bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, crafts, and more.
There also will be a silent auction, a “hot” event at the festival, Hubbard said.
This is the second year that admission to the Crabby Blues Festival will be free.
Cape Charles Christian School previously sold tickets to the festival but now follows suit with Citizens for Central Park, the group that hosts free concerts in Central Park every weekend in the summer.
The Crabby Blues Festival is supported largely by sponsors, primarily local businesses.
Hubbard looks forward to the annual festival and hopes “everyone feels welcome and has a good time.” together.”
