Win free tickets to Lobster Race

Win front row lodging for the 25th annual Lobster Race by simply signing up.

On Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m., a Lobster Race pre-party will be held at the Hotel Aiken.

The party is free and open to those ages 21 and up.

The first 100 people to arrive at the pre-party will receive a free Lobster Race ticket and everyone who attends can register to win prizes including a room at the Hotel Aiken on the night of the Lobster Race, VIP tickets to the Miller Finish line tent and Lobster Race T-shirts. HD 98.3 will hold a live remote broadcast from the pre-party.

"This is the first time we have held a pre-party," said Kara Flanders, event coordinator. "It is to remind people the event is coming up, to show support for our sponsors and to have a good time."

The annual Lobster Race will be held on Friday, May 1 in the heart of downtown Aiken. This year, 15 heats of lobsters are set to race; races one through eight start at 7 p.m., and the rest will follow at 8:30 p.m.

Five stages will offer a variety of entertainment. The beach music band, The Catalinas, is headlining the Lobster Race, and up-and-coming country band "Love and Theft" will perform on the Kicks 99 stage.

"We have expanded the rides for children and added more food vendors. We are doing what we can to help avoid long lines so everyone can have a fun family evening," said Flanders. "It's the biggest reunion in Aiken, an enjoyable family event."

A supplement will appear in the April 29 edition of the Aiken Standard containing the layout and schedule of bands for the Lobster Races. Additional information may be found on the Lobster Race's Facebook page.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.