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Caroline Yarborough (wearing lobster hat), 11, of Edgefield, places her lobster, MACK ATTACK, into the water to begin the 3rd race of the day at the 14th annual Lobster Races in Aiken. Next to Caroline is Patrick Pajerski, 6, of Aiken doing the same. Caroline came in 2nd. Ron Cockerille/Staff

Lobster Races offer varied fun

Bands, clowns, rides, games entertain crowd at event in Aiken; proceeds to benefit handicapped adults, children in area

Web posted May 2, 1998

By Kathy Steele
South Carolina Bureau

AIKEN -- Handicapping lobsters isn't an exact science. It comes down to the name.

Like Diamondflash.

``I like the name. I'm waiting for a diamond,'' said Jane Solomon.

She and her daughter Janelle, 11, sat on the curb on Newberry Street cheering on their race pick Friday night.

The crustacean came through a winner, leaving the slower seafood behind. His prize was a free trip back to the ocean.

At least that's the story from the Lobster Race Committee.

The slower but edible lobsters that came up losers could count on a trip to the dining table and a butter dip.

Janelle Solomon, 11, (center) and her mother Jane Solomon, and her friend, Dennis Hamrick, all of Aiken, cheer on their favorite lobster during the 2nd race of the day athe 14th annual Lobster Race in Aiken. Ron Cockerille/Staff

It was all for fun and charity as the 14th Annual Coors Light Lobster Races were held in downtown Aiken. The crowd was entertained by musical groups Robert Lee Smith and The Original Tams, Waxbean, Terry and Jordan, and Rider.

Lobster racing isn't the chief attraction.

``I think it's the street party really,'' Ms. Solomon said.

Lori Hardy and Gwen Simpson said it's a good excuse for neighbors to get together.

``Otherwise we don't see each other,'' Ms. Hardy said.

Proceeds from the event go to Hitchcock Rehabilitation Center, Tri-Development Center and Aiken County Special Olympics to benefit mentally and physically handicapped children and adults in the Aiken area.

Each organization will get $2,000.

Family entertainment included clowns, games, rides, carnival foods, a karate demonstration, jugglers, dunk tanks, a magician and face painting.

The races were sponsored by Carolina First Bank, WBBQ, Cellular One, Aiken Produce Co. and Bridgestone/Firestone South Carolina.