Few things say “summer in Maine” more than a lobster bake situated on a gorgeous stretch of green field on the shore of Casco Bay.

Allagash Brewing Co. welcomed 100 guests to dine on fresh lobster, corn on the cob, blueberry cobbler and beer on Sept. 10 at Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport to support the nonprofit Cultivating Community.

“It’s such a beautiful setting,” said Evan Culver, a brewer for Allagash, as he strode from the shoreline back over the field to the large tent bustling with guests and live music. “It’s fun, and it’s nice to be supporting a good cause, eating lobster and drinking great beer!”

Celebrating a good cause with good beer is something Allagash knows a thing or two about. Hugh Malone, the brewery’s beer of the evening, is a limited-release ale whose proceeds help support food security.

“Food insecurity and sustainable agriculture are very important to Allagash,” said the beer company’s founder, Rob Tod, welcoming guests. “We give over $330,000 back to our local, Maine communities every year, and it’s something everyone at Allagash is very proud of.”

“This is lovely,” said Craig Lapine, executive director of Cultivating Community, which provides greater access to healthy, local foods for those in need. “Allagash has been a wonderfully generous partner for several years.”

“Our main work happens in Cumberland and Androscoggin counties,” explained Lapine, who attended with his wife, Sarah, and young son, Everett. “We have a dual approach by empowering people to grow their own food and also creating ways to access healthy, local food. Much of the food on the plate tonight comes from our farm in Lisbon.”

Minjin and John Yoo enjoyed the overcast evening outside, as did Josh and Marika Bohr of Saratoga Springs, New York.

Celine Frueh, director of human resources at Allagash, was joined by her husband, Ben, and Leslie Heiser, communications and development leader at Cultivating Community, and her husband, Bob, a marketing professor at the University of Southern Maine.

“The opportunity to have delicious food on behalf of a great organization … this is just a great night!” said Jen Harris of Belfast, who attended with Nisha Mooney of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

“We’ve done a number of events with Allagash,” said Bryan Dame of Rosemont Market & Bakery, the event’s caterer. “It’s always fun, and it’s good to see a large company devoted to giving back and devoted to food issues, which is also important to us.”

“Allagash and Rosemont have a quiet but intentional way, and we really appreciate their support,” said Lapine.

Margaret Logan is a freelance writer who lives in Scarborough. She can be reached at margaret08logan@gmail.com

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