I met the mayor in college once and he made a promise to bring back the iconic lobster races. I'm still here waiting for that promise to come true, even though we have a different mayor. 

The lobster races were more than just an event; they were a city tradition, a day of joy and celebration cherished by all the residents. Their discontinuation has left a void in the city's yearly events, a void that can be filled with the laughter and excitement that the races once brought. A void that can be filled by lobster.

Even if modifications are needed due to practical or ethical concerns, alternatives can be explored. We propose an event where children or locals of varying age groups participate in a race with handmade lobster-shaped cars or in a pinewood derby like event. This way, we not only preserve this unique tradition but also inculcate a sense of creativity and competition among our children, while bringing the community together. 

Thanks to traditions like these, Aiken could potentially boost local economy as similar events have shown a significant increase in tourism and local business revenues in cities across the U.S. (National Endowment for the Arts, Bureau of Economic Analysis).

For many of us, Aiken without the lobster races isn't the same. We kindly call upon the city’s authorities to bring back this beloved tradition, in whatever form that may be. Please show your support and sign this petition. Stand with us and let's bring back the joy that the lobster races once brought to our beautiful city of Aiken.