WVU Alumni West Virginia University

Not just anyone can have the nickname “Head Crab” and get away with it – but West Virginia native Paul Farmer can. And don’t let his nickname fool you – he’s no crab, in fact, he’s anything but.

For the last 28 years, Farmer has been the “crab” behind the scenes of the Washington, D.C. National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC) Crab Feast. Farmer is there to make sure the more than 800 attendees walk away from the annual event satisfied by carting in masses of mouth-watering food. The highlight? Heaps of Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs – steamed to perfection, of course.

Farmer was born and raised in the southern West Virginia metropolis of Mullens. After graduating in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, Farmer took advanced ROTC and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After attending the Engineer Officers School in Fort Belvior, Va., he served two years of military service and returned to the Mountain State to work as an engineer for the West Virginia Highway Commission.

Farmer then relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1960 to attend George Washington University Law School. A student by night, Farmer spent his days as a project engineer on major bridge and highway projects for the D.C. government.

After graduating from law school, Farmer developed into a Washington Redskins fan, which helped him keep in touch with several WVU alumni in the area.

“There was a famous tailgate club that assembled before all the Redskins games at old RFK Stadium,” Farmer said. “It was composed principally of WVU grads and several were active with the National Capital Area Chapter.”

In 1977, they recruited Farmer as their newest officer. It was then decided the NCAC should sponsor an annual event to help raise money to give back to their beloved Mountaineers.

“I decided to try a crab feast because it could be done outdoors in the summer or early fall,” Farmer said. “We had our first one in 1978 and from the outset, it was something our alumni and friends have fully enjoyed and supported.”

Of course, Farmer says the major attraction of the feast is the crab, but the smorgasbord comes with many other lip smacking benefits to boot, such as: spiced shrimp, hot dogs, buffalo wings, potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, freshly picked corn on the cob, watermelon and chocolate chip cookies, accompanied by soft drinks, beer and wine.

After consuming a belly full of delicious food - the picnic offers recreational activities, such as softball, volleyball, horseshoes, tug-of-war and badminton. To top it off – all proceeds from the Crab Feast’s silent auction and raffles are donated to the John F. Nicholas Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund coordinated by the NCAC.

"Paul Farmer is the quintessential Mountaineer," said Steve Douglas, president and chief executive officer of the WVU Alumni Association. "His passion and enthusiasm for the Crab Feast has made this event one of the most successful alumni events and has challenged other chapters to develop signature events to engage alumni and friends."

The 2006 event will be number 29 for Paul Farmer, but for people like Scott Bosley, President of the NCAC, Farmer has made the event exceed all expectations.

“While helping so many Mountaineers share good fun and camaraderie, he’s been the driving force in raising thousands of dollars to support scholarships,” Bosley said. “From the first Crab Feast to the 28th, Paul Farmer has been the one constant. His energy and passion for his alma mater have made this a signature event of the National Area Capital Chapter.”

Join Paul Farmer and more than 800 of WVU’s closest friends and family at the 29th Annual NCAC Crab Feast. Rain or shine, the event takes place Saturday, August 26, 2006 from 1-6 p.m. at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria, Va. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information or to view/print the registration flier, visit www.wvualumni.org