05/09/2008
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Staff photo by Joe Phelanfrom the Kennebec Journal
KENNEBEC COMMUTER: Find another way to get to work
New bishop pays visit, leads service
Where are the voters?
Augusta planners face busy agenda
Former UMA head keeps busy
Green delegates look for exciting convention
Why exactly is Earnhardt Jr. so popular?
HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE NOTES: Cony takes winning in stride
All of today's:
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from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
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Bricks from school to be auctioned off to support Run of River
Voters yawn at school budgets
FARMINGTON Estate yields a historical treasure trove
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Retired educator compiling history of Maine teachers, administrators
HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE NOTES: Messalonskee sees big picture
Why exactly is Earnhardt Jr. so popular?
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
Local seafood markets say Mother's Day kicks off the summer selling season, and brings in droves of customers to make it one of their most profitable days of the year.
The Riggs family started the lobster tradition about six years ago. They celebrate Father's Day the same way. "It's only something you do once or twice a year," Riggs said. "You do it on special days."
Augusta seafood co-owner Bob Benedict said his first Mother's Day order this year came in for 28, 11/2 pound lobsters. Benedict said lobster prices are lower this year, compared to this time last year, when prices hit $15 a pound. Prices at four local seafood markets ranged from $6.89 to $7.99 a pound on Thursday.
"This is the kickoff to the summer," he said. "It's when our season starts."
At Winslow Seafood, manager Luke Hendsbee said orders this year are larger than in previous years. Where orders used to be for five or six lobsters, this year one person ordered 60 cooked lobsters and another person ordered 20 jumbo lobsters.
"Families are getting together more now," he said. "Maybe staying home and eating is more of a gesture than eating out is."
Down at Hallowell Seafood & Produce, Justin Underwood, who owns the business with his father Chuck, said business is brisk for Mother's Day, and people are looking for bigger lobsters. "Everyone's trying to make it happen for mom," he said, as he dunked his hand into the tank and pulled out a four-pound lobster. He also said many of the preorders come from mother's themselves who end up organizing their own parties. For him, Mother's Day is among the top five best days, behind Christmas Eve and the 4th of July.
At Sony's Seafood in Readfield, owners Michael and Chrystal Tripp said lobsters and steamers are big sellers. They too report increased demand for bigger lobsters and predict that their Clam Shack outdoor restaurant will be extra busy on Sunday. "We will be packed up top," Michael Tripp said, pointing up the driveway. "People come from miles."
Susan Cover -- 623-1056
scover@centralmaine.com
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