The Milton Hose Company returned on Saturday to host their annual Lobster and Clam Bake after postponing it in 2020 because of the pandemic. The event was so popular this year that they sold out a month ago and ended up serving up to 350 lobsters and 35 bushels of clams that they purchased from Sally’s Fish Market in Newburgh.

Fire Company member Gael Appler Jr. and Stephen Rivieccio spent the afternoon manning the lobster pot. He said the event is one of the company’s bigger fundraisers.

“We also usually do a cocktail party at Buttermilk Falls in June but we canceled that again,” he said.

Appler said the proceeds go to the Engine Company for miscellaneous social purchases throughout the year.

Chip Kent, who is VP of the Engine Company, said the lobster and clam bake was started in 2008 and only missed last year. He said the company also makes donations to the library, hosts free Christmas parties for kids, puts on Halloween parades, promising this fall that, “it’ll be back definitely.”

Kent credits Matt Kneeter for making the event a big success “for taking the bull by the horns.” He said the template for the event has been in place for many years.

“I’ve been heavily involved and I said I would take it over,” he said.

Kneeter said the company has already donated $1,500 toward the Community Day event that is scheduled for September 25 at the town park.

The musical trio ‘All Too Real’ returned once again to perform an eclectic mix of pop and rock n roll for the event.