27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
1
We l c o m e ! Arcata Main Street's Arcata Bay Oyster Festival tradition continues for the 27th year on June 17th. We focus on our local bounty, environmental health, and the diversity of our community. It’s a celebration of North Coast culture where chefs, merchants, volunteers, and guests revel in awardwinning oysters and other tasty non-oyster delicacies, local beverages, live local music, and art.
More than 13,000 people gather for this, the largest one-day event in Humboldt County – the Oyster Capital of California. Let your sense of adventure guide you as you explore historic Downtown Arcata. We've added new features like Green Street, a second stage, and all your favorite Oyster Fest features will welcome you back. This festival is a bittersweet one though, as Nancy Stephenson, the Events and Marketing Director of Arcata Main Street, will be leaving us after organizing this event for three years. We’re proud to see her take a new position as the Community Strategies Manager at Redwood Coast Energy Authority, yet sad to see her go. Nancy was asked to plan her first Oyster Festival in 2015. After that successful Oyster Fest, she took over all the events and marketing for Arcata Main Street including monthly Arts! Arcata events, Trickor-Treating on the Plaza, and the Season of Wonder & Light. She co-founded new projects like the My Favorite Lecture Series, Dia de los Muertos, the Oyster Fest Kick-Off, and the Plaza Watershed Program. Interviewed recently, Nancy said, “What I love most about planning this event is bringing folks together, identifying their strengths, showcasing their talent and products, and then letting it all unfold, taking on a life of its own. I believe that the Oyster Festival should honor our oyster farmers, and that our community should prioritize protecting the health of our bay and our watershed.” Thank you Nancy, for all of your hard work and smiles, we’ll miss them both. The world is your oyster. Arcata Main Street is very pleased to offer this cultural and culinary event to our Humboldt County neighbors and visitors. Our organization is made up of local businesses who want to enrich our community and offer the best possible hospitality to those who pass through this most beautiful part of the country. Happy Shucking, Vicky Joyce, Arcata Main Street Mindy Hiley, Festival Assistant
2
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
O yster F estival R ules • Alcohol may only be consumed in the cups provided.
• No animals other than approved service dogs.
• All patrons are subject to search.
• Arcata municipal code prohibits smoking on the Plaza at all times.
• Arcata municipal code prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages outside the festival area. • Must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol. • No alcohol may be brought in or out of the event. • No ice chests or disposable water bottles.
• No weapons are allowed inside the event. • Tokens are non-refundable. • You must wear an ID wristband to consume alcohol at the festival. Last Call for Alcohol 4 p.m. Taps Close at 4:30 p.m. No Alcohol on Plaza after 5 p.m.
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
3
W hat ’ s G oing O n ? Main Stage (Center Plaza)
10 to 10:30 a.m. Fred Oystaire (Stir Fry Willie) & music 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Diggin’ Dirt Noon to 12:30 p.m. Oyster Calling Contest 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Bayou Swamis 1:45 p.m. Fred Oystaire & contest winners announced 2 to 2:30 p.m. Shuck-n-Swallow Contest 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Timbata 4 p.m. Last Call 4 to 5:30 p.m. Motherlode 4:30 p.m. Taps close 5:30 p.m. Festival closes
Art Market on H St., north of 9th St.
Local artisans and makers & music by the Lost Coasters Traditional Hawaiian Island Band.
The FLUPSY Family Fun Zone on 9th between H & I streets Green Street on H St. between 7th & 8th streets
Electric vehicle show, booths, displays, and activities. Live music by Ghost Train and Dynasty One, sponsored by Humboldt Green and True Humboldt.
Oyster Fest Merch on G Street at Humboldt Outfitters’ booth Get your official 2017 shirts, hats, cups and hoodies.
Arcata Playhouse/Playhouse Arts street performances Farmers’ Market on I and 8th streets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. VIP ROOM by invitation only; must show ID and be on the guest list. • Anna Hamilton will be the VIP Room’s musical host, playing her original progressive ballads and blues with bassist Bill Andrews. Bill will stay on to perform with the well known jazz trio, A.T.F. • Buffet by Wildberries Marketplace • Local wine and beer
4
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
L ocal E ntertainment Diggin’ Dirt has been
planting its roots in Humboldt County since 2011 and its growth has shown no signs of slowing. Ranging from roots rock reggae to afrobeat and heavy funk, Diggin’ Dirt searches the earth for the dirtiest of grooves to make you dance and enjoy every bit of life.
Universal Balance Productions has a long history of providing high quality live sound, event production and recording to Northern California. Sam Safier and Russ Cole have dialed in the sound for OysterFest many times and have the equipment, crew, organizational and technical know-how to make any project or event the highest quality possible.
The 2017 Oyster Festival Official Guide is published by the Mad River Union, 791 Eighth St. ( Jacoby’s Storehouse), Suite 8, Arcata, CA 95521.
Jack Durham & Kevin Hoover, Publishers Lauraine Leblanc, Production Manager Jada Calypso Brotman, Ads Manager Marty Burdette, Proofreader Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. Please recycle.
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
5
L ocal E ntertainment The Bayou Swamis have
stolen the funky Zydeco dance beats from the swamps of Louisiana and planted them firmly in the marshes of Humboldt County. For over 20 years, they have featured a growing repertoire of Cajun two-steps and Zydeco stomps, and they also swamp up classic swing tunes, country standards and traditional ’50s rockers. The Swamis excel at both acoustic and electrified performances. Their music continues to spread the swamp gospel and to keep fans dancing and clapping into the wee hours. The Swamis are Randle Lundberg (button accordion, fiddle and vocals), David Bradley (acoustic and electric guitar and vocals), Jeff Landen (guitar, slide guitar and vocals), Kate Koelmel (triangle, rub board and vocals), Marla Joy (bass guitar and vocals) and Mark Weston (drum).
Timbata is a sextet that plays Afrocuban-based popular dance
music, and incorporates influences from other clave-based genres. They are Howie Kaufman (bongos, congas, batá, güiro), Jonathan Kipp (timbales/drum kit hybrid, vibraphone), Knick Moore (bass), Eugene Novotney (steel pan, cowbell), David Penalosa (congas, timbales, chekeré) and Michael Stephenson (guitar, keyboards).
Motherlode is
a well oiled funk freight train with a big sound. The band has been blending funk, jazz and elements of hip hop for over 5 years.
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
7
L ocal E ntertainment Fred Oystaire is a friendly,
charming, and mild mannered vinyl collector, DJ, MC and artist. This local performer can be seen at a variety of different events throughout the county. Also known as Stir Fry Willie, he has performed throughout Humboldt for more than 19 years. He has been the official Arcata Main Street Oyster Festival MC since 2012 and has been attending the festival since its inception when, as a young boy, he acquired his taste for the bivalve, holding the annual event very close to his heart ever since. When he is not lounging on a bear skin rug in front of the fireplace, you may find him jamming out live improv looping performances, vocalizing as the front man for the local funk, metal, jazz, hip-hop band Dungeon Heat, or maintaining his art blog and a career as a commercial graphic designer. For the 2017 event year he is assuming the role of the Oyster Festival mascot, Fred Oystaire.
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
9
FLUPSY F amily F un Z one On 9th between H & I Streets (north-west entrance)
A FLUPSY is a nursery for oysters, but on Oyster
Festival day it’s a fun zone for families! Come have FREE ice cream from Humboldt Creamery, and check out Waxtivities, Matthew’s Balloon Art, Sprinkles Concessions, Butterfly Body Art, Humboldt County Lao Dancers, Sunny Nights Photo Booth, HSU’s Tsunami Tank, and information about BAMU, Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, Student Teachers Association and Playhouse Arts.
Arcata Playhouse & Playhouse Arts will enliven the Oyster Festival with their signature outdoor spectacles, including giant puppets, stiltwalkers, street performers, and the Pink Polkadot Peg-legged Pony! Watch for the bright colors, oversized creatures and festival fun throughout the day, and at The FLUPSY family fun zone.
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
11
C ontests Oyster Calling Contest Calling all oysters! Hey, kids of all ages, step right up to the main stage at noon, where you’ll have 30 seconds to show the world how to bring sea creatures scurrying from Arcata Bay straight into your mouth at the Oyster Calling Contest. Once again this year, master of ceremonies Dave Silverbrand will preside magisterially over the Oyster Calling Contest. All participants will be awarded fantastic prizes!
Shuck-and-Swallow Contest Gather at the center stage at noon (get there early for a good spot) to witness a dangerfilled, edge-of-your-seat competition of flying knives and voracious appetites: the legendary Shuck-and-Swallow Contest. Teams of two people – one professional “Shucker” and one heckuva “Swallower” – are given fifty raw oysters to shuck and swallow as fast as humanly possible. The team that shucks and swallows all their oysters first within the allotted time wins! Hosted by ArcMan and Emily with oysters donated by Humboldt Bay Oyster. The Best Oyster Contest (includes non-oyster category and new this year: Best of Show!)
Every year, local chefs face off to showcase their skills in preparing raw and cooked oysters into culinary masterpieces, as well as non-oyster food creations. These delicacies are sure to tantalize taste buds and awaken the senses. Master of ceremonies Rachel Marrella along with Katie Hennessy will lead local chefs and oyster enthusiasts as they pick the best culinary delights of the festival based on flavor, presentation and creativity. The winners will be announced at the center stage around 2:15 p.m.
Best Decorated Store Window Contest The Arcata Chamber of Commerce and Arcata Main Street are recognizing the creative vision and skills exhibited by many of our Downtown stores. Judging is based on incorporation of local aquaculture, creativity and the best use of reused materials. The winner of the contest will be announced on stage during Oyster Fest. Special thanks to the following businesses for generously donating their time to operate a token and/or beer booth: Coast Central Credit Union • Humboldt Roller Derby • North Star Quest Camp • PacOut Green Team • Redwood Capital Bank • Rotary Club of Arcata Sunrise • Tri-Counties Bank • Umpqua • US Bank • Wells Fargo
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
13
G reen S treet
Oyster Fest's new Green Street, on H Street between
8th & 7th Streets, is a collaborative effort between local agencies and organizations that support sustainable practices and educate the public on key environmental issues such as preserving our watersheds and our lands. The Redwood Coast Energy Authority and the Center for Sustainability Energy will be promoting zero emission vehicles by displaying some of the latest models. In addition, information on present and planned fueling infrastructure, emerging zero-emission technologies, and future vehicle promotional events in the region will be available. Also on Green Street: Redwood National and State Parks, Redwood Parks Conservancy, Humboldt Green’s Appellation Project, True Humboldt, Root 101 Nursery, Marine Biology displays, Trails Information, Arcata House Partnership Lunch Wraps, tsunami wave machine and more.
Music & Stage sponsored by Humboldt Green and True Humboldt: • Ghost Train 11 a.m. • Dynasty One 12:30 p.m.
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
M ap K ey
17
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
19
L ocal B everages
We will proudly feature award-winning, locally-crafted beer, wine and cider on 3 sides of the Plaza. $2 wristbands are required, and can be purchased at the token booths or while you stand in line for the token booths. Beer taps and wine pours will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with last call at 4 p.m.
Tokens are $6 for beer, wine and cider. Enjoy faster lines and save money by purchasing online in advance ArcataMainStreet.com ($20 for 4 tokens). Available for pick up at Token Will Call on the corner of 8th and G streets.
Cups: Official 2017 Steel cups can be purchased at any Token Booth or the Merch Booth for $6, thanks to Redwood Coast Energy Authority and North Coast Horticulture Supply. Prefer a cup with a handle? Steel steins are also available at the Merch booth. Both of these official steel cups can be filled and refilled at all beer and wine booths. Local Wine: Wine booths will be on the west, north, and east sides of the
Plaza. $6 token for a 5-ounce pour. Humboldt Wine Association on the east and north sides of the Plaza will be pouring wines from the following wineries: Monument Mountain Vineyards • Moonstone Crossing Winery and Tasting Room • Old Growth Cellars • Bergeron Winery • Septentrio • North Story Wines • Heart’s Leap Wine • Flor D’ Luna Humboldt County Grown Wines: Quality Assured On the west side of the Plaza, you’ll find wines made from locally grown grapes: Briceland Vineyards Winery • Cabot • Trinity River Vineyards
Local Beer: Beer booths are next to the wine booths. $6 token for a 14 oz
beer. Local beers include: Redwood Curtain (Imperial Golden Ale) • Six Rivers (IPA) • Eel River (Organic Blonde & IPA) • Mad River (Steelhead XP) • Lost Coast (Great White)
Cider: You’re in for a treat, with Humboldt Cider Company (Aw Shucks) tapped at all beer booths and Wrangletown Cider at wine booths.
Hydration Stations: Our new Hydration Station at the corner of 8th & H St. has multiple drinking fountains and a refillable water bottle feature, so bring your own refillable cup. Special thanks to the Community Cupboard, Arcata Main Street, and North Country Fair for investing in this. You can also find plenty of water at every beer and wine booth (no need to stand in line), and be sure to watch for our mobile water cart. Disposable plastic bottles of water are not allowed at Oyster Fest.
20
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
T he O yster I ndustry and M ethodology Sheltered from ocean waves and storms by the North and South spits, Humboldt Bay’s excellent water quality and healthy estuarine environment have created an extraordinary hot spot for shellfish mariculture, particularly oysters. Oyster production has a long history in Humboldt Bay, dating back to the 1850s, but really became established as an industry after World War II. Today, the industry includes growing seed and adult oysters and focuses on environmentally friendly production using rack and bag, long line culture and suspended culture. These techniques also produce an extremely fit oyster with a delicate flavor. Oysters grown using these methods take approximately 2 years to reach harvestable size. Approximately 70% of California’s oysters are sustainably grown in Humboldt Bay, which is considered the oyster capital of California. Oyster farming in Humboldt Bay is estimated to generate $9.6 million for the Humboldt County economy annually.
Photo courtesy The Insider
“These oyster farmers do more good for the environment by accident than most people do intentionally”. – Congressman Mike Thompson at an event in DC Feb. 2011
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
21
M eet O ur O yster F armers Humboldt Bay Oyster Company – Todd Van Herpe, Owner Todd Van Herpe started farming oysters on Humboldt Bay in 1992 while getting his Fisheries/ Aquaculture degree from Humboldt State University. He launched Humboldt Bay Oyster Company in 2002 producing seed for several other small West Coast farmers. He also grows Kumamoto and his Humboldt “Ebb & Flow” Pacific Oysters for local restaurants, oyster bars, local events and Farmers’ Market. Coast Seafoods – Greg Dale, California Operations Manager Coast Seafoods is the largest oyster production operation on Humboldt Bay, managing more than 3,900 acres and employing between 40 and 50 people year round. The company farms around 300 acres of Kumamoto and Pacific Oysters. Coast Seafoods supplies oysters to hundreds of restaurants, grocers and brokers throughout the world. Greg Dale prides himself on helping to set the world standard for environmentally sound shellfish culture. “We feel really positive about what we’ve accomplished in Humboldt Bay,” Greg said.
Aqua-Rodeo Farms – Sebastian Elrite, Owner On a 10-acre parcel of Humboldt Bay, Aqua-Rodeo Farms grows Bucksport Pacific Oysters. Before Aqua-Rodeo, founder Sebastian Elrite developed an interest in oysters working parttime for local farmers. AquaRodeo Farms offers shellfish at Humboldt Bay Provisions as well as fresh off the boat on Woodley Island on Saturday afternoons. North Bay Shellfish – Scott Sterner, Owner With over 30 years in the industry and a degree in Fisheries, Scott Sterner has seen a lot of improvements in Humboldt Bay oyster production. With the help of his family, Scott specializes in producing oysters for the Arcata Farmer’s Market and North Coast restaurants. Hog Island – John Finger and Terry Sawyer, co-founders; Erik Schlagenhauf, Director of Farm Operations; Lucas Sawyer, Nursery Operations Manager Humboldt; Juan Avellaneda, Hatchery Manager Humboldt Hog Island Oyster Co. started in 1983 in Tomales Bay, CA with a goal of raising fresh, local, sustainable shellfish for the Bay Area ‘half-shell’ market. Today they farm over 3.5 million oysters, clams and mussels in Tomales Bay. In 2014 Hog Island broke ground on California’s first permitted shellfish hatchery on Humboldt Bay.
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
R esource R ecovery
NO glass bottles are permitted at the Oyster Festival. Please note the Resource Recovery Sites located around the Arcata Plaza. They feature the latest in waste diversion to enhance the sustainability of the festival. At each station there will be clearly labeled receptacles and helpful staff. • Recyclables – beer cups, cans, and cardboard. • Landfill trash – plastic bags, straws, cup lids, plastic forks, papery oyster trays. • Oyster shells – all oyster shells will be repurposed by the City of Arcata, who will be using the shells to add to the gravel roads in the Arcata Community Forest.
23
24
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
Arcata Main Street is a non-profit organization that works to create a vibrant downtown Arcata. It does this by fostering business vitality, providing opportunities for community events, and organizing projects and initiatives that respond to community needs. Through the work of its Board of Directors, its committees, and its members, Arcata Main Street has created numerous festive experiences on and around the Plaza: Halloween Trick-or-Treat, Season of Wonder and Light, monthly Arts! Arcata events, Downtown Coupons for HSU Preview Weekends, Move-In Day where HSU Dorm students join us for a Pizza Feed on the Plaza and are given a booklet of valuable coupons for Downtown businesses, and the annual Arcata Bay Oyster Festival. In 2016, we co-founded the new “My Favorite Lecture” series with Humboldt State University, every second Thursday in the Plaza View Room. We also supported the new Day of the Dead celebration on the Plaza, and created the Plaza Watershed Program, providing money and awareness for health, safety, and environmental issues affecting our community, from the upper reaches of Jolly Giant Creek to Humboldt Bay. Arcata Main Street has also coordinated funding for downtown businesses to refurbish and renovate their building exteriors, created promotional efforts to support downtown businesses, and partnered with the City of Arcata, the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, Humboldt State University and others to allow visitors and locals alike to take advantage of the many offerings of Arcata’s independent business community and historic downtown. The Arcata Bay Oyster Festival has become a significant source of revenue that Arcata Main Street uses to support its operations and activities. Proceeds from this event are reinvested in the community to promote Arcata’s identity, economy, and cultural spirit.
Board of Directors for 2017
Vicky Joyce, Bubbles • Dan Tangney • Dave Neyra, Humboldt Outfitters • Ed Bernard • Jenny Kukuk, US Bank • Josh Neff, Minor Theatre
Visit us on Facebook/arcatamainstreet and at www.ArcataMainStreet.com
26
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
S ponsors Half Shell
Oyster Shooter
Shell Fish
Mollusks
Humboldt Bay Oyster Co. North Bay Shellfish
Kumamotos
Pearl
28
27 t h A n n u a l O y s t e r F e s t i va l
2017 P artners Without
you , this festival would not be possible !!
95.5 The Bay
Dave Silverbrand
Mazzottis
Aaron Ostrom
Dianna Rios
Mindy Hiley
Al Cooper
Diggin Dirt
Motherlode
Albert Raymond
Dynasty One
Nancy Stephenson
Alec Howard
Ed Bernard, AMS
New World Water
Amber Madrone
Eel River Brewery
North Bay Shellfish
Anna Hamilton
Eureka Payments
Aqua Rodeo Farms
Fhrye Phoenix
Northcoast Horticulture Supply
Andrew Goff
Fire & Light
Anna Jewett
Ghost Train
Anna Oneglia
Graham’s Brand
Aqua-Rodeo Farms
Hog Island Oyster Company
Arcata Chamber of Commerce Arcata Fire Protection District Arcata Garbage Arcata High School
North Coast Growers’ Association North Coast Journal North Coast Mercantile North Star Quest Camp
Humboldt Bay Oyster Company
PacOut Green Team
Humboldt Beer Distributors
Patron Services
Humboldt County Dept. of Health
Redwood Capital Bank
Pacific Seafood Rachel Marrella
Arcata House Partnership
Humboldt Creamery
Arcata Mad River Transit System
Humboldt Outfitters
Redwood Curtain Brewing Company
Humboldt Roller Derby
Russ Cole
Humboldt Wine Association
Sebastian Elrite
AMS Members and Board of Directors Arcata Playhouse/ Playhouse Arts Arcata Police Department
Humboldt Green
Humboldt Grown Wines: QA
Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Sam Safier Select Bankcard Six Rivers Brewery
Arcata Sunrise Rotary
Humboldt State University
Barbara Garcia
Jenny Kukuk, AMS
Bayou Swamis
Josh Neff, AMS
Bill Chino
Julie Eagle
Blue Lake Casino
Katie Hennessy
Student Teachers Association
Brenna Schlagenhauf
KHSU
Sungrower’s Guild
Bubbles
KHUM
Talvi Fried
Bug Press
KIEM
Timbata
Statewide Traffic Safety & Signs Simon “Stir Fry Willie” Kriger
City of Arcata
KSLUG
Times-Standard
Cliff Berkowitz
KWPT The Point
Tri-Counties Bank
Coast Central Credit Union
Lost Coast Brewery
True Humboldt
Coast Seafoods Company
Lost Coast Outpost
Umpqua Bank
Lost Coast Traditional Hawaiian Island Band
US Bank
Community Cupboard Dan Tangney, AMS Dave Neyra, AMS
Mad River Brewery Mad River Union Malcom DeSoto
Vicky Joyce, AMS Wells Fargo Wildberries Marketplace