Spiralling costs and declining attendance have forced the cancellation of the 2009 version of the Lions Club Lobsterfest, an Orangeville tradition for the past two decades.

Organizers say the fundraising event, usually held at Tony Rose Sports Complex, has become less lucrative for a number of reasons. Among them are strict regulations that require the venue have 14 security personnel — six police officers and eight security guards — on hand, as well as additional fencing to establish a perimeter around a nonsmoking area at the arena entrance.

At the 2008 event, the security cost the Lions Club a total of $2,250 and the fence set the club back another $700.

"It was just one rule on top of another until it just got out of hand," said Lobsterfest organizer Frank Gray in an interview.

Fellow organizer Dave Ferrier said revenues have also been affected by the province's strict drinking and driving laws. "The good news is that a lot less people drink and drive," he figured. "The bad news is (liquor sales) are where the profits are."

In 2008, the Lions provided a bus, at a cost of $370, to take people home from the Lobsterfest dance. The bus, they said, was little-used since most of the patrons were wary of consuming over the allowable limit of alcohol to drink and drive.

Mounting costs also caused the cancellation of the 2007 Lobsterfest.

Last year's event raised $5,000 after expenses. Among the beneficiaries of Lions' fund-raising events are Headwaters Health Care Centre and the Door. Other projects financed by the Lions Club include a new playground at Island Lake Public School.

Mr. Gray and Mr. Ferrier questioned why the security rules are more stringent for what the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario terms a "special event" than they are for a wedding reception, for example, held at a rented venue.

Both, they pointed out, serve alcohol, but wedding receptions aren't required to have security contingents.

"And what about bars?" asked Mr. Gray. "Why are bars allowed to do without security when we, as a service club staging a 'special event,' have to have all this security?"

He said the club is pondering whether Lobsterfest "has run its course." During its 20- year run, it has raised in the neighbourhood of $250,000 and, in one year alone, brought in $40,000.

Last year, the cost of a steak and lobster dinner was $30 and there was a $15 charge to attend the dance. The club has ruled out the idea of selling both as a package because the two events tend to attract a different age demographic.

From 2006 to 2008, meal sales went down to 500 from 800 and attendance at the dance dropped to 300 from 800.

On top of that, Mr. Gray and Mr. Ferrier said prices would have to be increased if the Lions decide to stage Lobsterfest in 2009, in order for it to be a worthwhile fundraising event.

"Even if we raise prices," said Mr. Gray, "People shouldn't complain if it's $5 more. This is not a for-profit event. They money goes to the community."

Both Mr. Gray and Mr. Ferrier said the Lions Club needs to know how the community sees the event's viability, whether it be through the media or otherwise.