EGC's Event Group Delivers: 200,000 People Attend Famous Oyster Festival

Pirates boasted their long and trying tales of the deep blue sea to help ring in the 27th Annual Oyster Festival this past October in Oyster Bay, New York.  Local pirates greeted over 200,000 festival-goers in the two gorgeous fall days (the weekend after Columbus Day). Over 40,000 pounds of oysters were shucked and festival-goers enjoyed either strolling around the historical Theodore Roosevelt park, or running up and down the streets of downtown Oyster Bay with vigor and enthusiasm. Kids and adults alike came from throughout the tri-state and enjoyed the gathering which had arts & crafts, tall ships, treasure hunts, oyster eating contests and more.

EGC’s event group has helped to organize the festival for over 10 years now, driving record attendances each year. EGC’s Len Rothberg noted, “Over 40 local business sponsors and over 150 artisans helped to make this show a great success.” Many of the artisans and vendors at Oyster Fest showcased their one-of-a-kind, homemade and purchased products.  Everything imaginable was available for sale, from collectable figurines and keepsakes, to hand woven scarves and caps.

Tall ships, including the infamous Summerwind and The Gazela sailing beauties, were both proudly on display and docked in the harbor for all to see their historic beauty and grandeur. Festival goers had the chance to tour these ships and were able to sneak a peek into the lives of sailors and the history of the fishing trade in the early 1900’s.

Oysters were baked, battered, fried or raw, and were simply delicious. Most were harvested right in Oyster Bay, where they have been harvested for hundreds of years. Long Island cooks and local volunteers went head to head with professional chefs to keep a steady flow of food served to the public. The recipes and favorites included stew, gumbo, fritters, papusas and burgers. The chow was creative and delicious, and attendees were ecstatic once they were able to sample the fare. If you were lucky, some vendors even gave out their secret recipes and tips on how to shuck the best and healthy oysters.

A land and sea demonstration also helped to keep attendees on the edge of adventure, as Coast Guard officials demonstrated air and sea rescue procedures, gave safe-boating tips and discussed volunteer service opportunities. A Sikorsky Dolphin maritime rescue helicopter also took off twice a day, helping to showcase our local heroes!

Every year, proceeds benefit the non-profits in the community. Some of the local charities that were affiliated and benefitted from the event were the Family Service League, the Lion’s Club of Oyster Bay, the Oyster Bay Boy and Girl Scouts and the Oyster Bay Rotary Club.

When asked about Oyster Fest in 2011, Rothberg noted, “We’ve already started on the 28th Annual Oyster Festival and we look forward to seeing you there!”