Cracking through the rain

Clouds flooded the valley early on Friday morning and stuck around all weekend, but as the hungry Crabfest goers demonstrated, it wasn’t anything an umbrella couldn’t handle. Judging by the number of crab going into the boiling water and onto plates, the grub was worth it too.

The annual Ronan Chamber of Commerce fundraiser was held at the Bockman/Ronan City Park this past Friday. Organizers spent the afternoon setting up several large tents throughout the park, and people trickled in throughout the evening with their own beverages and chairs for the all-you-can-eat crab dinner.

This year, the proceeds will benefit Ronan city parks and the volunteer fire department.

Organizer Carlene Bockman came up with the idea for a crab dinner fundraiser almost 12 years ago when she was the secretary of the chamber. During the years, the fest has benefited many organizations, and grown to become a well-enjoyed staple for the community.

“This is the first year it’s rained,” Bockman said. “I just chuckle because no one seems to really care that it’s raining.”

Bockman said she loves the Ronan park and is glad this year the money raised will be used to help in its upkeep.

All cook Jack Collins had to keep the rain off his head was his University of Montana Grizzlies hat. But the boiling pot made out of a huge Navy boat pot kept him too busy to notice the moisture. The pot was set up outside the main food tent.

Collins was in charge of boiling the crabs, which come frozen in 40 pound boxes. He transferred the crab from the box to the makeshift boiler with a large net. Once the crabs floated to the top of the pot, Collins transferred them an ice bin for pickup.

Melted butter, potato salad, beans and rolls were available to accompany the crab.

Marilou Cheff and her family sat under a chamber tent to escape the drizzle, and while they fondly remembered the sunny Crabfests of previous years, the raves about the crab were the same.

“We were here last year, and I couldn’t wait to come back,” Marilou said. “It’s never too rainy for crab. It’s delicious.”

The Cheff’s brought their own tools to crack the crab, scissors and fingers included, and had a good pile of shells to show for their work.

“My fingers will never be the same,” Marilou said. “But it hasn’t deterred me.”

Bockman said the event has raised up to $3,500 for the causes in previous years.