With nearly 500 pounds of clams, 60 pounds of butter, 150 lobsters and one five-pound lobster, Wareham Community Associates served an array of New England summer fare at its annual lobster bake Wednesday, July 19.

The bake, which also included corn, potatoes and linguica, was prepared in a traditional fashion.

“We start the fire, throw the seaweed on the coals and then we throw all the racks of food on,” explained Jim Austin, president of Wareham Community Associates.

This steaming strategy creates a “unique flavor,” according to Austin.

The diners seemed to agree.

Vivian Medeiros described the lobster as “delicious, very sweet and very good.”

The lobster and clam bake has been the association’s largest fundraiser for local scholarships throughout the last 40 years.

“We give back as much as we can,” said Bake Master Rick England, who has been a member for 35 years. “It’s always nice to give back to our community.”

“[The association] is all people who have lived in Wareham and care about the town — what it does is just gives back,” said member Jilian Morton.

In 2023, Wareham Community Associates gave out scholarships to local Wareham High School students totaling approximately $5,000.

Dylan Turner, a member of the Wareham High School class of 2023, received the scholarship this past year and attended the lobster bake on Wednesday.

“It feels very supportive to have your own community have faith in you,” said Turner. “Hopefully someday you can give back to your community as they did for you.”