Community Seafood Dinner at the South Kingstown Elks Lodge: Saturday October 25, 2014

Point Judith fisherman Rodman Sykes organized this community event to introduce seafood lovers to plentiful yet often-overlooked species in Rhode Island waters. The event drew over 100 members of the community, who sat down to eat together while learning about and celebrating Rhode Island's fisheries. Catch was donated by local fishermen Rodman Sykes, Chris Brown, Bob Wescott, American Mussel Harvesters, and Sarah Schumann. We showcased several species that are common in RI waters but underrepresented in the local marketplace: scup, sea robin, and skate, as well as a couple of invasive species -- green crabs and periwinkles. The dinner was prepared, served, and organized by volunteers, including Rodman Sykes, Jeanmarie Carret, Cassie Hart, Charlie & Deb McGowan, James Nelson, Jeff Robert, Sarah Schumann, Lynn Smith, Miles Sturm, Andrea Incollingo, and many more. Raffle items were donated by Foley Seafoods, Tallulah on Thames, Classic Cruises of Newport, Wayne David photography, and Jasmine Gore jewelry. Thanks to everyone who joined us!

This video shows Rodman and his deckhand Jerry catching fish for the event as well as 18 barrels of little skate to be sold to lobster boats as lobster bait.

The South Kingstown Elks Lodge is located at 60 Belmont Ave, South Kingstown, RI 02879.