In Celebration of the Scallop Fishery
The 5th Annual Scalloper’s Ball will be held Friday, October 12 at 6 p.m. at the Nantucket Yacht Club to raise awareness of the island’s historic shellfishing industry and to accept donations for The Nantucket Shellfish Association — a not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve and enhance Nantucket’s shellfisheries through research, education and advocacy. Co-sponsored by the NSA and Sustainable Nantucket, the event date this year was changed from spring to the fall to celebrate the opening of the scallop season starting October 1st for the family season and November 1st for commercial fishing.
"We're incredibly excited abut having this year's Ball at a bigger venue, the Yacht Club, and in October to celebrate both the Family and Commercial scalloping seasons. Our hope is to raise both awareness and funds for our many programs, "said Pennel Ames, President of the NSA. "Every Ball I've been to has been an event to remember — a great time to reflect on how fortunate we are to have a viable fishery, and how much work we need to do to protect and maintain it. Without the shellfishery, Nantucket loses something vital and important. The NSA is here to keep that from happening. And the Scalloper's Ball is a great way for the community to give to the NSA and have a good time in the process."
The Scalloper’s Ball will feature music by two local bands: The Shingles, with Dave Provost, Andy Bullington, Michael Kopko, and Ben Champoux; and 4 EZ Payments, a bluegrass band. The Nantucket Yacht Club will provide refreshment. Island businesses have donated many items to be included in the silent and live auctions to be lead by auctioneer Bob Turner and MC Bam LaFarge. Guests will bid on dozens of gifts and certificates, including dinners at local fine dining establishments, winter membership at the Westmoor Club, a Zodiac, a Cruiser bicycle donated by Young’s Bicycle Shop, airline and steamship tickets.
Tickets for the Ball are $40 per person and $30 for those holding a commercial fishing license. Tickets can be purchased at Nantucket Bookworks (25 Broad Street), Nantucket Pharmacy (45 Main Street) and Brant Point Marine (32 Washington Street). Tickets can also be ordered in advance by calling 508.228.3399 or by emailing tara@sustainablenantucket.org.
