For those looking to indulge in some crab feasts this season, there are plenty of options in the region, but one missing from the list will be the Newman Police K9 Association has opted to not hold their popular event this year.
While not stating a specific reason for the cancellation, the organization did say the feed would be back next year and provided a specific date, April 11,2026.
The Newman Police K9 Association uses the money raised from the crab feed to help with the costs of the unit and support the retired dogs as well. The unit has one dog in service, Gizmo, and two retired, Sam and Ares. The Association also uses some of the funds to support other community organizations, explained Newman Police Sgt. Ashley Williams.
“We typically make donations within our community annually, such as sponsoring a TOSCA scholarship,” Williams said. “We also purchase new equipment for our active dogs. This year we will be sending our handler to a training in Texas. We also pay for the food and medical expenses of our retired K9s Ares and Sam.”
There are other ways that the community can support the Association outside of the crab feed, Williams explained.
“If people would still like to support us, we always have K9 merchandise available in the police department office and our online store, and we also accept donations,” Williams said. “We are a 501c3 so we can provide a tax ID number for donations.”
There are other options for those looking to have some crab and support local organizations.
The Crows Landing Lions Club is hosting a Crab Cioppino Feed starting at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 24. at the FDES Hall in Crows Landing.
The Newman FFA Boosters crab feed is set for Feb. 1 at the Newman FDES Hall. The social hour is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $70 and go to support the FFA program at Orestimba High School. FFA students have tickets for sale.
The Turlock Pentecost Association’s Crab Cioppino dinner will be held Feb. 1 at the Turlock Ballroom, 528 N. Golden State Blvd., Turlock. Dinner will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and dancing from 7 p.m. to midnight. There will be no take-outs or tickets available at the door. To purchase tickets, call 209-668-9840.
Friends of the Stanislaus County Fair will hold a crab feed on Feb. 1 at the fairgrounds in Turlock. The evening will start with carnival bites and cocktails from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m., which will include crab, shrimp, pesto pasta, Caesar salad and rolls. The event will also include silent, live and dessert auctions, a live band and dancing. Tickets are $75 each and tables of eight are $650. Tickets can be purchased at the fair office, 900 N. Broadway, or at evenbrite.com.
The Warrior Crab Feed will be held on Feb. 8 at Fitzpatrick Arena on the campus of Stanislaus State. Social hour will start at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., which includes all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab, salad, pasta and bread. The evening will also feature silent and live auctions, music, beer and wine. Individual tickets are $85 each and table for 10 is $850. All proceeds benefit the Warrior Athletics Scholarship Fund. For tickets, visit: https://csustan.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?events=363,364,365,366.
The Denair Lions youth football club will host a crab and shrimp feed starting at 5:30 p.m. March 15 at Larsa Banquet Hall, 2107 E. Monte Vista Ave., Denair. This dinner will feature crab, shrimp, pasta, tri-tip, salad and bread. There will be to-go orders available and a silent auction following dinner. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at Backroads Home & Gift and The Coffee House., and by texting Robert at 209-404-7243.
The Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers Crab Feed will be held March 22 at Rev. O’Hare Hall at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1813 Oakdale Road, Modesto. Crab dinner, no-host bar, live and silent auctions. Tickets are $75 for individuals and $800 for a table of eight. For tickets, visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-crab-feed-crab-feed.
The Merced Rotary’s 40th Annual Crab Feed will start at 5 p.m. on Feb. 22 and will be at the Merced county Fairgrounds. Check the organization’s Facebook page for ticket information.
Some organizations have opted to cancel their feeds this year because of an increase in the cost of Dungeness crabs. The commercial Dungeness crab season faced significant delays due to the presence of migrating humpback whales and the need to protect them from entanglement in fishing gear. These delays, along with the limited season, have impacted the availability of Dungeness crab.
