AW SHUCKS! IT'S OYSTER SEASON ON THE HOOD!

For locals, OysterFest is a tradition. For visitors, it’s a chance to indulge in oysters at the peak of their season – and enjoy many of the seafood dishes for which the Pacific Northwest is best known. Since 1982, Skookum Rotary’s OysterFest has been a premier event and economic force in the town of Shelton. On the first full weekend in October (5-6), Skookum Rotary will once again stage its 42nd annual OysterFest, home to the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championships as well as the Washington State’s official Seafood Festival.

It looks simple enough – insert, twist, flick, repeat. However, if you’ve shucked, you know it’s anything but easy. OysterFest hosts the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championships, the preliminary event to the US event at St. Mary’s Oyster Festival in Maryland. Over the weekend, over 6,000 oysters are opened by shuckers can compete in speed and half shell shucking, involving presentation and speed. Winners of receive cash and a seat at nationals.

On Friday evening, start celebrating early at the OysterFest pre-event party – OysterFunk. Hosted by the Shelton Rotary Club, this 21+ event, catering to locals and the huge crowd of RVers that show up early for the weekend. The annual celebration features live music, food, and a full beer garden. Admission is just $5 for this event that runs from 6-10PM.

OysterFest officially begins at 10 AM on Saturday and hosts family-friendly opportunities all the weekend with educational exhibits, entertainment, and live music. For those looking for adult activities, dozens of wineries are hosted in the Wine Pavilion. You can easily while an afternoon testing vintages from all over Washington State. Combining this with 30+ food vendors offering everything from coconut shrimp to curried mussels – you'd best arrive both hungry & thirsty!

Skookum Rotary presents OysterFest as a fundraising event for other organizations. Food vendors volunteer their time on behalf of a Mason County nonprofit. In addition to non-seafood you’ll find salmon, shrimp, and oysters galore. Be sure to try the locally made Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

While the events begin on Friday, campers and RVers begin arriving as early as Wednesday.

Campers come from as far as California and British Columbia, many being “regulars” who make the trek annually. The campgrounds have a friendly, party atmosphere with some fairly elaborate group areas. Campers may stay as late as Monday. Reserve early to secure the best spaces.

OysterFest is located on the unused runway at Shelton Airport, 250 W Sanderson Way, about 1/2 mile north of Shelton along Hwy 101. OysterFest is Saturday and Sunday, October 5 –6, day admission for adults is $15. Ages 7-17 pay $10 and children 6 and under are free. Sunday is Family and Military Day with ages 17 and under free and $5 for active military. Parking is free and there are Mason Transit shuttles to navi gate within the parking lot.

Additional details, event sched ule and updates on OysterFest can be found at oysterfest.org.