What started out as a friendly get together in the backyard of an alumnus has turned into one of the largest gatherings of West Virginia University grads and friends in the nation.

On Aug. 21, family and friends will once again come together to celebrate a 33-year-old tradition known as the National Capital Area Chapter Crab Feast. This long-standing tradition, filled with great friends, good food and fun, will take place from 1-6 p.m. at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria, Va.

In 1978, WVU alumnus James Edmundson, a member of the NCAC, started the tradition by hosting alumni and friends in his backyard. Chapter volunteers were looking to hold a unique summer event to bring people together and, from there, the famous tradition was born.

Today, the event brings nearly 1,000 alumni and friends together from across the nation to support a great cause and to enjoy a memorable experience. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the NCAC’s John F. Nicholas Jr. Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to students from the Washington, D.C., area to offset college expenses.

Since its inception nearly 35 years ago, more than $200,000 has been donated to WVU from proceeds from the event, including scholarships, contributions to the construction of two Erickson Alumni centers at WVU, the library, athletic department, the band and the purchase of three Mountaineer muskets, among many other WVU causes.

“This event creates awareness for the University and the Alumni Association,” said Kevin Nodianos, NCAC president. “WVU alumni and friends travel from all over the country to attend this event. The Crab Feast inspires them to go back home into their own communities to promote the University and the Alumni Association.”

As always, this year’s Crab Feast includes delicious food and live entertainment. On the menu are 55 bushels of succulent Chesapeake Bay blue crab, 450 lbs. of shrimp, hot dogs, buffalo wings, corn on the cob, watermelon, cookies, and draft beer and wine.

Guests can participate in the cornhole tournament and volleyball/softball games. The event will also feature a performance by a renowned blue grass band and appearances by alumni representatives, University administrators and the Mountaineer mascot.

Nodianos extends a welcome to any and all alumni and friends of the University and West Virginians who may be in the Washington, D.C., area on Aug. 21 to attend this very popular event. For first-time attendees, this is sure to be a memorable experience.

For reservations, contact Head Crab Paul Farmer at (703) 425-5426. Attendees can also register online at http://ncaccrabfeast2010.eventbrite.com. Advance reservations are $40 per adult and $15 for children under 12. Children 5 and under can attend for free. Those planning to attend should make reservations soon. Due to limited parking, shuttle service from Huntington Metro Station and Ragtime will be provided from noon to 3 p.m. with return shuttles leaving Ft. Hunt Park beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing through 7 p.m.

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WVU News on the Web – http://wvutoday.wvu.edu/

CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association, 304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu