A first of its kind moment kicked off the New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar.

Larry the Lobster, a 6-pound beauty, was released into a nearby inlet instead of becoming one of the many tasty dishes at this weekend's seafood festival.

"May you never smell melted butter, have your claws bound by rubber bands or have your tail appear in the daily special of a restaurant’s menu," they said.

The mayor of Belmar says a local restaurant helped save Larry.