LOBSTERFEST 2023
Welcome back to another year at Donaldson Run Pool. It is time for our sought-after social event – Lobster Fest. All DRRA members, including August/September are welcome!! Everyone must be 21 years or older to attend.
Our Social Committee has been working hard preparing for this event. Providing a safe and fun social event is first and foremost of our Committee. Please take the time to read the FAQs in this email which are packed full of helpful information.
WHEN
Saturday, June 24th from 7pm – 11pm
FOOD OPTIONS
Lobster – $75
Steak – $75
Vegetarian – $75
Lobster & Steak – $95
** All options are priced per person and include sides and dessert
SIGN UP
Login to: https://drra.org/membership/manage-account/
Go to the event registration page: https://drra.org/lobster-2023
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How many tickets is each membership allowed to buy?
A: Each membership number is allowed to purchase 2 tickets. At least one of those tickets must be for a 21yo+ member (associated with that membership number) who is attending the event. For example, 1 Member + 1 Guest or 2 Members are allowed to attend.
Q: I’m an August/September member – am I allowed to attend?
A: Yes! All emeritus, shareholder, full summer and August/September members are welcome to attend.
Q: Is there a deadline to purchase tickets? Are tickets sold at the door the night of the event?
A: This is a very popular event and tickets typically sell fast, and have sold out in the past. We recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible to ensure you can attend. The last day to purchase tickets is June 17. Unfortunately, no tickets will be sold after that date or at the door the night of the event.
Q: Do both ticket holders need to arrive at the same time?
A: No. Please list each attendees’ name at registration to help facilitate check-in for all attendees that night. No name transfers will be available at the door – only the names on the registration form will be honored.
Q: Does every attendee need to select an entree?
A: Yes, all tickets come with an entree selection, which means each attendee must select an entree at registration. You are welcome to bring your own food, however every attendee must purchase a full priced ticket. There are many expenses associated with this event that are NOT entree-related which must be covered.
Q: What are the entree options?
A: We will have lobster, steak, surf & turf (both lobster and steak) and a vegetarian option available. Assorted sides and desserts will also be provided.
Q: Can I change my entree choice at the event?
A: Because we will be ordering the entrees as requested at registration, unfortunately we cannot accommodate changes after registration closes.
Q: What does my ticket include?
A: Entry into the event, a souvenir cup and one entree; sides and dessert will also be provided. We will also provide drinking water, plastic utensils, napkins, and a few lobster crackers for each table to share.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Attendees are welcome to bring beverages of their choice (in non glass containers) and additional food, especially appetizers as it can take time to serve everyone their entree. Many members bring their own sides and desserts to share with their tables in addition to what we provide. Only beer and wine are allowed.
For those eating lobster – if you have lobster crackers or forks at home, we encourage you to bring those as well.
For those eating steak – please don’t forget your steak knives!
Q: Can we swim that night?
A: Yes. The pool will be open for swimming that night. However the diving boards and water sports are strictly off-limits. Drinks are also not allowed in the pool.
Q: Can I reserve a table? Do I have to reserve an entire table?
A: We do our best to accommodate all seating requests. At registration, please indicate if you have a preference of an 8 person table or a 10 person table, list any names of friends you’d like to sit with at your table, and if you have a preference, tell us in which general area of the pool you would like to be seated. Don’t have enough to fill a table? Don’t worry! We’ll pair you up with other members for an enjoyable evening. If you have a big group that will take up more than one table, you can add a note requesting to sit near certain people. Please be as specific with your requests as possible, including names. For example, please don’t ask to sit near “my neighbors” or “other school parents”. We will need specific names to try and accommodate your request.
Q: What am I not allowed to bring?
A: As always, NO GLASS. Not only is this Virginia law, there is also a huge impact to pool operations if any glass is broken near the pool (the pool will have to be shut down for several days while we drain, clean and refill the pool). We will be checking coolers at the door to ensure glass doesn’t accidentally make its way into the event. Additionally, while we want everyone to have a good time, we must be considerate of our staff and our neighbors at all times. This means, no kegs, no ice luges, etc. Members who cause a disturbance will be asked to leave the event.
Q: Can we tailgate in the parking lot?
A: No, unfortunately not. For all the reasons listed above (broken glass, trash, consideration to neighbors, etc), we will not allow any tailgating in the parking lot. Once you arrive, please make your way to the entry line. You may need to wait in line in the parking lot for a short time as we check-in attendees. Thank you for your patience.
Q: What happens if it rains? Or if I am unable to attend?
A: Because all food will be pre-ordered, we won’t be able to reschedule the event due to weather or refund money if members need to cancel. We have been extremely lucky to have good weather for many years with this event, but we will have a contingency plan if required due to weather. If a member is unable to attend for any reason, he/she can arrange to collect their food from the event, provided that member contacts the social chair, Todd Bennett before 4pm on 6/24 at DonaldsonRunSocial@gmail.com.
Q: What do attendees typically wear?
A: You should wear whatever makes you most comfortable. Attendees often come in tropical- and beach-themed attire. Some members choose to be on the dressier side, while others wear more casual clothes. Keep in mind that when the sun sets in the evening, its rays cast directly towards the shallow end of the pool. So, the temperature can remain hot in certain areas of the pool until the sun goes down, and sunglasses are recommended.
Q: Anything else I need to know?
A: We have a lot of new members this year. If you are a regular attendee of this event, please make sure you help us welcome all the newer members – especially if you know how to dig into a whole lobster and someone at your table doesn’t!
Q: Wait! I have more questions!
A: Please check the DRRA website for all event updates. You can also email the social chair, Todd Bennett with any questions at DonaldsonRunSocial@gmail.com. Todd and the volunteer team working on this event will do their best to answer all questions promptly!
