Melha Shriners to Host Annual Clambake Aug. 23

SPRINGFIELD — The Melha Shriners will host its fourth annual clambake on Sunday, Aug. 23 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Melha Shrine Center located at 133 Longhill St. in Springfield. The event, to be held rain or shine, will feature a raffle for an eight- to 10-pound lobster.

“When I first created this event, my idea was to use the clambake from back in the day of the pilgrims, who saw Native Americans cooking clams over hot stones and seaweeds. I decided to leave out the hot stones and seaweed and opt for a barbecue grill,” said Shonn Monday, chair of the event.

The cost to attend this year’s clambake is $40 for a whole lobster, fresh steamers, half a grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, New England clam chowder, corn on the cob, and homemade peach cobbler. For those who may not want seafood, there is a $20 admission for a grilled chicken dinner. A cash bar, iced raw bar, grilled hot dogs, and hamburgers will also be available.

Tickets may be purchased online at melhashriners.com/events/annualclambake. All purchased tickets may be picked up at the clambake. No lobster dinners will be available at the door, only children’s meals. All proceeds will benefit the Melha Shriners and the work they do for the people of Western Mass. and Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield and Boston.

For more information, contact Monday at shonn.monday@melhashriners.org or Dan Smith at 1sr.ceremonial.master@melhashriners.org, or visit melhashriners.com.