Over eleven hundred guests crowded a jam packed Boat Basin Cafe for the bulk of Saturday afternoon, returning for the 6th annual fundraising frenzy known as “Crawfish for Cancer.” The benefit which donates all proceeds to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, flexed its muscles in dramatic fashion during a festive weekend day filled with unlimited drinks, eats, music and sunshine- and enough feel-good twenty something thrillseekers looking to make the most of the experience outdoors.

The 2013 “Crawfish for Cancer”, though a similarly complete success, was marred by pervasive thunderstorms that threatened but never truly affected the happenings. But the clear skies of Saturday showed how truly special the setting can be when all works according to plan, paced a live band performing cover songs as the day progressed. The venue was nicely filled by its 2pm start time, which coincided with New York Rangers playoff hockey, drawing considerable folks toward the collection of big screen televisions inside, followed by a chorus of hoots and hollars with every New York goal. Meanwhile, the outdoor area was buzzing with pours of Bud Light and Goose Island 312 along with some of the day’s signature sweet tea inspired cocktails and other assorted booze-filled drinks.

As in previous years, you need quick vulturing hands to secure plates of piping hot crawfish and the 2014 event was no different. Each batch was dumped on a communal table with fresh corn on the cob, potatoes and sausages all seasoned to a puckering level of salty, but delicious nonetheless. The race to fill your plate is only part of the fun- followed closely by intricately peeling and devouring each edible crawfish tail- a delicious part of the day’s journey. With so many guests this year, moving around became a challenge, but the vibe inside the space was unmistakably feel-good throughout and grabbing some food or a drink was never much of an issue. Plus the views of New Jersey across the Hudson River provided from the waterfront venue are simply unparalleled, especially for snapping pictures.

As the five hour event wore on, we ran into more and more people donning lobster necklaces, shirts and even hats than in past years. And with good reason- the annual “Crawfish for Cancer” is a great excuse to rally together groups of friends both small and large for an afternoon outdoors like none other. Though the cause is a focused one, the hundreds upon hundreds of guests are all likeminded and fun, looking for an excuse to kick back in style. Fortunately on this day every year, the excuse is a good one, aimed at the advocacy, education, and treatment for the prevention of a currently uncurable type of cancer.