By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews
YACHATS — The Yachats Lions Club has cracking good news for crab lovers — its popular annual feed is returning with a lower price and a generous “all-you-can-eat” format.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, diners can enjoy Dungeness crab plus sides and beverages for $45 at three different seatings — 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Lions Hall and at 4 p.m. in the Yachats Commons. The seating at the Commons will be for groups of six or more, with reserved tables.
“We’re responding to what we’ve heard from our supporters,” said Lions president David Okelley, in explaining the changes. “Yes, this is a fundraiser for us, but it’s also about fellowship and community. The more people who come, the more money it brings into Yachats and helps everybody. It brings people together.”
Last year, the feed had a per-meal price of $50, which bought one crab plus side dishes and drinks.
With accommodation for a total of 340 people, event tickets are going fast. “In the first day after we announced we sold 50 tickets, so people who want their choice of seating should act quickly,” Okelley said.
Tickets are available online at the Lions Club website. There, ticket-buyers may select their seating time and place, and order as many meals as they want.
Each meal will include all-you-can eat whole cooked crab, baked beans, coleslaw, bread, coffee, tea, water and soda. Diners are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages. While crab-eating utensils will be available, attendees are invited to bring their own tools if they like.
A 30-year tradition
The Lions Club has staged the crab feed in Yachats for more than 30 years. People come from all over Oregon, Washington and other states for the event, some planning getaways and vacations around the fundraiser.
The work is carried out by volunteers from the club and the community, plus students from Angell Job Corps in Yachats.
“We get great support from the community and local businesses in Yachats, Waldport and Newport,” Okelley said. “South Beach Fish Market cooks and cleans the best-tasting local crab you have ever eaten.”
Proceeds from the crab feed help fund Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing programs. Locally, this means providing eyeglasses and exams, hearing aids and exams, and eye screenings in Lincoln County schools.
Revenue from the Yachats Lions Club Thrift Store also lets the club support local student scholarships, food pantries and school projects.
More details about the 2025 Crab Feed are available via email at lionscrabfeed2025@gmail.com.
- Cheryl Romano is a Yachats freelance reporter who contributes regularly to YachatsNews. She can be reached at Wordsell@gmail.com
