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North Carolina Oyster Festival Printer Friendly
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October 21st & 22nd, 2006
Steamed, baked, broiled, fried-even raw!!! Oysters are as much a part of coastal North Carolina as water. What better way to honor the sensational saltwater creature than by taking part in the North Carolina Oyster Festival. Each year during the third weekend of October, thousands of seafood lovers gather in the Brunswick Islands to pay homage to the mighty mollusk.
2006 will mark the 26th year anniversary for the North Carolina Oyster Festival-and it just keeps getting better! The festival hosted over 30,000 people in 2005 - filling the grounds adjacent to the Museum of Coastal Carolina at Ocean Isle Beach. In fact, people come from many of the surrounding states to attend the festival every year. |
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So what is the draw??? Well, oysters, of course, and so much more! Each year 275 bushels of the steamy treats are served in hefty buckets to crowds of oyster enthusiasts.
Have you ever tried to shuck an oyster? Do you think you are pretty good at it? Then, maybe you would like to test your skill in the Oyster Shucking Contest. There are competitions for the Amateur and the Professional Shucker. The Amateurs can shuck pretty fast-but you have to see the Pros. North Carolina is home to some of the best shuckers in the world. In fact, winners from our Shucking Contest go to compete in the National Oyster Shucking Championship in Maryland each year. Two winners have even gone on to compete in the World Oyster Opening Championships in Ireland!
If oysters are to your taste, then make sure you come early to taste all of the entries in the Oyster Stew Cook-off. Those with an appetite, but who are less enthusiastic about seafood, will definitely not go home hungry. Restaurants and food vendors have been known to serve up everything from hot dogs and crab cakes to tasty funnel cakes.
It's true-the oyster is the focal point of the festival-be it the Oyster Roast or the Oyster Shucking Contest, but there are all kinds of food and activities to meet anyone's taste. Live entertainment is happening all weekend long, with everything from Rock to Beach Music to Country and Folk.
Bands like the Embers, Band of Oz, and North Tower draw hundreds each year who happily dance in the streets to the bands' Beach Music beat.
Shopping is another popular pastime at the NC Oyster Festival. More than 100 craft vendors and shop keepers set out their wares for eager shoppers each year. Hand blown glass, beaded jewelry, handmade purses and toys are just a sampling of the items sold.
Other traditional Oyster Festival events include the annual Road Race and a relatively new event-the Surf Contest. Runners come from all over the Carolinas to compete in the annual Road Race, which also includes a Fun Run for those less athletically inclined.
There is truly something for everyone at the North Carolina Oyster Festival.
Make your reservations early. Many local hotels, resorts and rental agencies offer special rates and packages during Oyster Festival weekend. For a listing of accommodations see our online Business Directory
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