Thursday, February 5, 2009

Birthday Thursday

Today was my birthday. I spent the entire day just relaxing and I was treated with a nice dinner this evening at my favorite restaurant on Sanibel, The Timbers. Then later, met friends at the Tween Waters Inn, where they were going to see the NasCrab Races at 9 PM. It was a really enjoyable time!

If you are coming to Sanibel and haven't been to Nascrab Races, you might want to check it out. The location is at Tween Waters' Crow's Nest Restaurant and full bar, on Captiva. There is a family show at 6 PM and an adult only show at 9 PM, every Monday and Thursday. They do change the schedule a couple of times a year in off season, so you might want to check that out before you go, by calling Tween Waters Inn at 239-472-5161, to get the show times.

This race has been an on-going source of entertainment for over 20 years. First of all, you pay $2 for the use of a hermit crab in the race. You name your crab with some sort of catchy or comical name. Tim Jardis, the announcer begins by getting everyone involved in cheering on their hermit crab.

This is a comical show and you should be prepared to take lots of joking along the way and an occasional spray with a water bottle. If you don't have a good sense of humor and are not willing to hear a few off-color remarks, then this might not be for you. I have been to these races more times than I care to admit, and I have seen probably hundreds of tourists entertained by the races. But I have seen three or four of those people, over a period of 4 or 5 years, who got a little upset with the announcers idea of comedy. There are times when he seems a little 'crabby' too, but it's all in fun.

It is wise to get there a little early, because there is limited seating around the round table, where the crabs race. If you go before the race for dinner, you get a number and that usually gets one or two people in your party a seat at the table. The others all stand around the table to watch, which is ok. If you are a person who does not like attention, then that is probably the better option, as the show is very interactive.

The money is counted by someone at the table, then half of it is set aside to be given to the United Way. Over the years, Tim has raised over $140,000 for the United Way. The other half of the money is divided among the top 3 winners at the end of the race, along with a couple of other small prizes. I have and have seen many others donate their winnings back to the United way, as well.

The crabs are placed under a basket in the center of a round table, and when the basket is raised, the first crab outside the circle at the edge of the table is the winner. The races are run in heats with five or six crabs qualifying each heat for the final race. Awards are then presented at the end, along with a lot of photographing.











There are Nascrab shirts for sale, during the races, if you want a souvenir to take home with you.

Oh, by the way friends, I did make a stop at Blind Pass on the way back to Sanibel. Just had to check out the shelling situation. I saw no shells on either side of the pass. Well.....maybe tomorrow. :-)

Thanks to you all, for your 'Birthday Wishes'. :-)

Jeanne, this one is for you. :-)
This is Lexus playing with a kazoo won at a crab race. You get one of these if your crab wins one of the first two races, so that you can contribute a little sound to the excitement.


15 comments:

Dave said...

Happy birthday Toots. Your crab races look like fun. Hope the crabs don't get hurt? - Dave

Gayle said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I wish I had known. I like birthdays. The crab races are so totally awesome. I would be right there drinkin' my beer and screamin' at my crab. How fun is that?! I hope you enjoyed your special day.

Maria Verivaki said...

happy birthday (mine's tomorrow)

gpc said...

Happy, happy birthday, Tootie! And thank you so much for the nascrab post. I have always wanted to go and had no idea what really went on there (you can imagine, not a place to take Dr. Crabby!) -- at least now I've had a glimpse of the fun! (I do feel a little bad for the crabs, though)

MariBy said...

Happy Birthday Tootie! Hope the upcoming year is a fabulous one for you!

I LOVE the crab racing story - how marvelous! And certainly one of the more inventive ways to raise money for the United Way! :D

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Happy Birthday!

Thanks for the photos on Nascrab. I always wondered what that was all about. Looks like fun.

George said...

Happy Belated Birthday!
Those Nascrab Races sound like they would be quite an experience.

Snowbird said...

Well, Happy Belated Birthday. Sounds like you had a great day. Better than spending it flying across country like I did. We've never been the the Crab races. I've always thought it sounded like fun.

J said...

Happy Belated Birthday Girlfriend! What a great article for the Nascrabs. I'll never forgoet the first night I went with you and the slackeranda and got sprayed several times....and then there's the Golden Kazooo...and Lexus! What fun memories! You should include a picture of Lexie playing the prize :) for all his fans to see :)

J said...

This is a comment for all those who worry about the crabs getting hurt. If you even look like your gonna touch the table or blow the crab you get sprayed with a water bottle in your face/hair.....He protects them :)

I love the Kazoo picture Toots..Thanks! I went back and found our winning picture with sprayed hair, kazoo and ribbons.

RottenMom said...

Happy Birthday Tootie! A day late, but I wish you a wonderful year! I want you to know that I read all of your blogs and I so look forward to when you post. Your writing,photos and videos are so much appreciated and enjoyed by me. I am so addicted!

Little Black Scrap Cat said...

Happy B-lated B-day my friend!! I just didn't know!! The nascrab races look fun. Probably not a place to take my DD!! She'd just want to take them all home! Glad you had a fun day!

Alice In Wonderland Rocks said...

Happy BD Tootie..sorry it's a day late but it's sent with lots of hugs...May you have many many more :):)

The Bumbles said...

Happy B-Day! Hey - I think we went to dinner at that place on Captiva when we visited your fine corner of the world. No crab races though - just a really cute waiter who looked like George Clooney's brother.

Terri said...

Every time I read your blog I am more convinced I want to be you when I grow up. What did you name your crab?