Crab is typically the highlight of an all-you-can-eat crab feed, but don't count out the homemade minestrone at the Granite Bay Rotary and Kiwanis clubs' upcoming event.

Apparently it's the best you can get, says Rotary president Mike Calvert.

So is the cause for the event. Scheduled for Jan. 26 at Divine Savior Church in Orangevale, the sale of tickets to the clubs' Crab Feed Extravaganza will help support projects the two groups work on together, specifically the Franklin School Community Park.

This park is set for Laird Road next to Franklin Elementary School on the border of Granite Bay and Loomis. The proposed 4.5-acre site is said to include picnic areas, a tot lot, trails, an amphitheater and a ball field with an all-weather synthetic surface when completed.

Having a synthetic turf surface instead of natural grass is expensive but community members hope it will increase the usability of the site, accommodate water capacity issues and require minimal maintenance. According to reports, synthetic turf fields are quickly becoming the standard for athletic fields.

A portion of the money raised at the crab feed will also help fund the clubs' annual Christmas basket program, explains Rotary member Cristie Akers. Every year members from both groups gather and put together care packages of food and gifts for families in need during the holidays. The bundles include items like frozen turkeys and canned food as well as gift certificates for shoes and bicycles.

This year 104 baskets were delivered.

"All proceeds go toward community programs," says Akers. "The money is used locally. A majority of the money will be spent on the park."

Tickets are $45 each. The event includes dinner, which also consists of salad and pasta, and silent and live auctions, Akers explains. Doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner is served at 7 p.m.

"We're hoping to raise around $20,000," says Rotary member and event coordinator Patricia Marquez.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Brenda Miller at 791-4347.