My daughter's elementary school has a big crabfeed every year and it is a pretty big deal around here. Last year was the first time I had ever been to one but had to leave early so I didn't really get to see how involved these things are. This year I stayed for the whole thing and this is what I observed:
First, people are serious about their crab! People bring their own butter, candles and those little containers to melt the butter in. They bring crab nut cracker thingy's, and lemons and oranges. There is salad, bread rolls and pasta to act as "fillers" so you don't just eat crab, but the experienced people were onto that, and they flat out refused any food until the crab came out.
When the big aluminum containers of crab come out people yell, "CRAB!" when it gets near them. I guess this is in case the crab doesn't know what it is, which it doesn't, because it is cooked and not alive anymore.
The bigger your pile of crab shells are, the better! People were bragging about how big their pile was going to be and when they were done, how big their piles were. People were even taking pics of their used up crab shells, that is not gross or anything.
What are the oranges for, you ask? You bring them into the bathroom to wash your hands when you are done eating. They really help get the crab smell off. That is a good thing. What to do when you are done eating? Well, now is the part of the show where you dance!
And also, where apparently, you get stinkin' drunk. Ahhh, good times! I had not seen so many people drunk in one place since college! No one seems to be worried or ashamed by this behavior. It's like Mardi Gras, but local.
All in all, I had a great time! Now that I have some tips I will be at the next one ready with butter and bib in hand. If you have never been and you like seafood, I highly recommend it! Remember, they are always for a good cause, so you can feel good about your gluttonous, raunchy behavior!
