We [as in my family] learned about this magical event from members of the mishpocha, who have been going for over 20 years. The oyster fest is held every year at the Chincoteague camp grounds on the Saturday before Columbus Day. It's $41.99, BYOB, and all you can eat. This year, my good friend N decided to rent a house in Bethany and drive down to Chincoteague for it in honor of her 30th birthday (about 90 minutes away; for reference, Chincoteague is 3.5 hours from DC). This is NOT an event for oyster haters, anyone who keeps Kosher, or those of you who are allergic to shellfish -- though we really appreciated having some of those people with us. The event has multiple tents set up, each offering various permutations of our mollusk friends -- oyster fritters, steamed oysters, clam chowder, crab, and of course oysters on the half-shell. You're allotted a certain amount of each per person, so the more people who wait in line with you, the more you get! And you can go back as many times as you want.
The hard-working shuckers
Our first haul of the day! 30 oysters (there were 3 of us) and crabs. The crabs are the only thing they run out of -- and after only an hour!
These are steamed and they are not Kosher. But they were delicious.
The shell-recycling truck. We ate all of the things!
People have a ton of fun at this event and are super nice. And since it's BYOB, they just get nicer as the day goes on. People also take their picnic areas very seriously. I didn't get a picture of the Oktoberfest tent, where everyone was wearing full-on leiderhosen and other German garb, but I did manage to get the pirates.
That sign says "Arr-yster," in case you can't read it
So buy your tickets early and mark your calendars! It's a blast. Even if you don't leave stuffed and not wanting to face another oyster for a month or two (I'm just now getting to the point where I wouldn't object to eating them), it's a great time.
I'm very proud of you and your oyster eating skillz. ;)
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