Today marks the Sixth Annual Crabfest hosted by Roanoke Chowan SAFE, (Services for Abused Families with Emergencies).

&uot;With outstanding participation and support from our business partners, friends and families, Crabfest is one of our most successful events,&uot; said Lorraine Lassiter, executive director for the Roanoke Chowan SAFE. &uot;Since our first Crabfest, people have enjoyed a fun family outing and, with each Crabfest, we have grown and added activities to appeal to our diverse communities.&uot;

This event was created by local attorney, Louie Wilson III as a community outreach program in support of the many clients who have been in need of the services and assistance SAFE has provided.

In the early days, Wilson and his wife would host 300 plus attendees at their home in Ahoskie. As the event grew, the program moved around to accommodate the growing crowds and increased activities.

&uot;Roanoke Chowan Community College is the perfect fit for today’s activities,&uot; said Wilson. &uot;I am thankful for their support of this event and truly appreciate the host of businesses and individuals who have given of their time and resources to assist SAFE and to accomplish their priorities and programs. As with every Crabfest, there is something for everyone to enjoy.&uot;

For sports enthusiasts, there is the Crabfest 2004 Basketball Tournament. The double elimination tournament currently includes nine teams.

They are as follows:

Ahoskie Fire, Edenton, Harrellesville Wizzards, NC Lawyers, NUCOR Playmakers, Outkast from Langley AFB, Roanoke Chowan Community College, Washington County Law Enforcement and the returning champions, the Huskies from Newport News, Va.

&uot;I always look forward to Crabfest and the tournament because of the great level of competition,&uot; said Tournament Coordinator Coach T. Kelley. &uot;The opportunity to coordinate these great teams on behalf of SAFE and their great cause makes this event very popular with some of the areas best players.&uot;

The tournament begins at 8:30 am.

In addition, there is also a John Madden 2004 video game tournament with a cash prize to the winner. The registration fee is $5 with proceeds going to SAFE.

Kiddie games, raffles, door prizes, cake walks and other activities begin at 1

p.m.

The cost per child to participate in the kiddie games and rides is $5 for unlimited use.

The event will conclude with the buffet. The suggested donation is $25 with proceeds benefiting SAFE.

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