The VIP table was set up in the midst of some two dozen other tables at the Escalon Community Center on Saturday, with a flurry of activity in the morning getting everything set for the evening’s crab feed.

Hosted annually by the Escalon Kiwanis Club, the Jan. 16 event saw crab brought in from Oregon – enough to feed 320 people – and the gathering serves as a fundraiser for the club to support student scholarships and other programs.

“It’s smooth as silk,” said Kiwanis Club member Pam Dyer, serving as event chair for the third year. “I have a system.”

That system saw many Escalon High School Key Club members coming in to help out, in addition to Kiwanis Club and community volunteers. There was plenty to do early on, getting salads ready, stocking the bar, setting the tables and organizing items for the live and silent auctions, as well as the raffle table. Many of the students return in the evening to help serve diners.

This year was the 12th annual Crab Feed and Dyer said all but four tickets had been pre-sold for the event. Many tables were reserved in advance and among the special guests was former San Joaquin County Supervisor Ken Vogel, now a candidate for the 12th Assembly District seat.

Proceeds from the evening will help provide scholarships for Escalon High School seniors, and the Kiwanis Club also helps send students to Science Camp, provides team sponsorships for youth sports, hosts an annual Spelling Bee and more. Kiwanis Club scholarships for 2015 were awarded to Amanda Aguilar, Jackie Valeriano, Esmeralda Aguayo Monroy, Leone Rivers, Darian Caton and Nancy Rodriguez.

Dyer said the crab feed is always well attended, well supported and provides a fun evening out for residents.

“It takes a village,” she said of putting on the event. “Everyone does their part, everybody is willing to help.”