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--> --> Feasters struggle to don large bibs to catch bits of crab at the 2001 Crabfest. Tidings file photo Calling all crab lovers By Myles Murphy Ashland Daily Tidings Crab lovers and community-minded residents will mix eating and fundraising at the 6th Annual Crabfest Friday. The purpose of the event - sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ashland-Lithia Springs - is to raise money for donations to programs for at-risk children and other community groups. "Education and bringing up youth is important to our community, not only now but in the future," event organizer Bob Saunders said. Participants at the all-you-can-eat dinner will tear into about 600 pounds of crab obtained for the occasion. About 350 people are expected, and the event usually sells out, according to organizers. A silent auction will precede the dinner, and a live auction of art, food, trips, sporting equipment, clothing, entertainment and other items will be held during dinner. Commemorative T-shirts will be available. In 2001, about $21,000 was raised and given to groups such as Junior Achievement, Head Start, Hope Equestrian and Community Health Center. The first Crabfest was held one month after the 1997 New Year's Day Flood which devastated Lithia Park and the Plaza. Money raised at that time was given to the City of Ashland to build a new footbridge. In 1998, proceeds from the Crabfest were given to Community Works to help pay for construction of The Grove. The crab dinner starts at 6 p.m. Friday in Southern Oregon University's Rogue River Room in Stevenson Union. Tickets are $40, call Marshall Umpleby at 488-2428 for ticket information. For information on donating auction items call Diane Bennett at 482-2451. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing