Fall is the time of year when Maine Lobsters are most abundant and the majority of the annual catch is harvested. This fall, communities are coming together to celebrate the harvest of our favorite crustacean and to show their appreciation for the local lobstermen. Dubbed 'Maine Lobster Harvest Days,' these events offer live and cooked lobster for one low price, often with entertainment and other treats to put customers in a celebratory mood.

"Fall is the best time of year to enjoy Maine Lobster," said Dane Somers, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. "They are at their peak of flavor, fullness and abundance." Because of the harvesters' responsible harvesting methods, we are seeing abundant harvests year after year. Maine harvesters will bring in over 12 million pounds of lobster in October alone. That means that there is enough lobster for everyone in Maine to celebrate this fall. And with special pricing, there's no reason not to eat Maine Lobster.

The Maine Lobster Harvest Days give Mainers the chance to enjoy delicious Maine Lobster at special wharf prices, while showing their appreciation for the local harvesters and the lobstering communities that they support. A portion of proceeds from each of the events will be donated to charities supported by Maine lobstering communities.

The Penobscot East Resource Center in Stonington originated the idea of the Maine Lobster Harvest Days with their impromptu 'Lobster Sale on the Pier' in the fall of 2008. The original event was intended to raise awareness of the plight of the harvesters who were seeing lobster prices in a free-fall due to the international financial crisis. They formulated the Stonington Lobster Working Group to continue the good work started by Penobscot East Resource Center. "Our message hasn't changed," said Robin Alden, SLWG chair. "We want to show support for our local lobster industry because it is a vital part of our community."

The Maine Lobster Promotion Council was founded by the lobster industry and is funded by lobster license holders. The Council represents the interests of the entire Maine lobster industry, including harvesters, dealers and processors, and markets and promotes the sale of Maine lobster worldwide.

For more information on Maine Lobster Harvest Days events, visit www.lobsterfrommaine.com or contact Marianne LaCroix at the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, 207-287-5140.

Maine Lobster Harvest Days

October 10
Port Clyde
Port Clyde Fishermens Dock, Co-op Road
Time: noon-5 p.m.
Prices: $5/live lobster, $6/cooked lobster

October 11
Bath
Gilmore's Seaood, 131 Court St.
Time: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Prices: $5/lobster, live or cooked

Scarborough
Bayley's Lobster Pound, 9 Avenue 6 Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Prices: Available live and cooked

Stonington
Stonington Fish Pier, 9 Atlantic Avenue, Time: 1 p.m. until the lobsters are gone Prices: $5.25 per live lobster

October 17
Georgetown
Five Islands Lobster. 1447 Five Islands Rd. Time: 10 a.m. until the lobsters are gone Prices: $5/lobster, live or cooked