Thursday, June 12 · The Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor (120 Commercial Street) 

Boothbay Harbor is heating up for one of the tastiest nights of the summer! The 12th Annual Lobster Bite Competition: The Claw Down returns Thursday, June 12  at The Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor — and this year’s chef lineup is sizzling.

At the heart of this celebrated culinary showdown are the chefs and restaurants who bring their talent, creativity, and fierce competitive spirit to the table — literally. Each competitor is crafting one unforgettable bite featuring locally shucked Boothbay Harbor lobster, the star of the evening and our region’s pride. With three levels of awards, the stakes are high:
Judge’s Choice – The top honor, sending the winner to compete at Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor for the title of Lobster Chef of the Year.
People’s Choice – You decide! Each guest gets to vote for their favorite bite. (Have you got your tickets yet?)
Chef’s Choice – Peer-to-peer respect in the culinary world means everything.
And don’t miss the prize for Best Table Presentation – chefs go all out with creative themes and displays that make the night even more memorable.

We are beyond grateful for the following restaurants and chefs who are stepping up to the plate this year - 
Alphabetically by restaurant:

• Brady’s – Chef Joseph Asendorf III
• Coastal Prime 1901 – Chef Ercan Sahin
• Footbridge Brewery – Chef Dan Pangburn
• Harborside 1901 – Chef Berat Nacar
• Linekin Bay Resort – Chef Stan Hornsby
• McSeagull’s – Chef Jacob Dushuttle
• Mine Oyster Raw Bar & Gathering Place – Chef Ralph Smith
• Ocean Point Kitchen – Chef Michael Whitney
• Spruce Point Inn – Whiteclover – Chef Shawn Wagner
• The Whale’s Tale & Seafarer’s Pub – Chef Brandi Willis

These chefs are the heartbeat of this event — bringing bold flavors, new twists, and lobster love to every bite. These are the talented hands behind some of the most beloved kitchens in our region — places where locals gather, celebrations are shared, and visitors return year after year. Their creativity and commitment to their craft help define the Boothbay Harbor food scene, and we salute their culinary courage and passionate spirit.

A special thank-you to our Presenting Sponsor, The Carousel Marina, for making this community celebration possible.

We’re also proud to recognize our Legacy Sponsors: First National Bank, Bangor Savings Bank, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Down East Magazine, Tindal & Callahan Real Estate, and Spruce Point Inn & Spa.

And hats off to our Affiliate Sponsors for their generous support:
Pier 1 Pizza & Pub, Bath Savings Institute, Newcastle Realty, Renewal By Andersen,
Northern Jet, Rising Tide Co-op, House of Logan, Lazy Acres Farm,
BBH Apparel, Conley’s Garden Center, and JWM Electric.
Bar Sponsors: Boothbay Craft Brewery, Footbridge Brewery, Sebago Brewing Co., Damon's  & Josh Wines.

Tickets are still on sale — but they’re going fast! VIP is already sold out, so don’t wait to secure your spot.
General Admission is $95 and includes one drink ticket. A cash bar will also be available. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

To purchase tickets, call 207-633-2353 or stop by the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.
192 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor.

Let the claws come out — we’ll see you at The Shipyard!

A Full Weekend of Flavor and Fun at The Shipyard
Support the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce - The Claw Down may kick off the weekend on Thursday, June 12, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Join us at The Shipyard for an exciting lineup of events all weekend long — all supporting the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, June 13
Harbor Trivia Challenge
4:00 – 6:00 PM | $10 at the door | Cash Bar
Gather your smartest friends and bring your Boothbay Harbor knowledge! This friendly competition is full of laughs, local lore, and great prizes.

Saturday, June 14
10th Annual Fishin’ for Fashion Show
2:00 – 4:00 PM | VIP $75 · General Admission $40
Tickets available at the Chamber of Commerce
Part fashion show, part party, and all Maine-made creativity — this beloved event highlights wearable art made from fishing gear and marine materials. Expect a high-energy runway show, music, local refreshments, and outfits you’ll be talking about all summer. VIP tickets include reserved seating and extra perks. 

PS- The Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races are that morning! 

It’s a full weekend of community, creativity, and coastal celebration — and every ticket supports the work of the Chamber to promote and strengthen the Boothbay Harbor Region. Don’t miss it!