Message from the “GOO”

Welcome to the 40th anniversary OysterFest!

Bob Miller | 2022 Grand Old Oyster (GOO)

It’s been a while … since we have had an “in-person” OysterFest. It was 2019, and everyone knows why we didn’t have one in 2020 and 2021. It’s been a while … since I was GOO, 31 years in fact. (GOO is the name we give to the OysterFest chair – the Grand Old Oyster.)

The tenth annual OysterFest was different from the current OysterFest in many ways and the same in others. There was no wine tasting back then, but we did have a choice of wines. You could choose red or white – it came in a box. We had no microbrew tasting. You could certainly have a beer, as long as you wanted a Miller, or maybe it was a Rainier – hard to remember that far back. Back then, to be identified the Skookum Rotarians wore blue shirts and a yellow sou’wester hat.

Now we still wear blue shirts, but have traded the sou’wester for a blue ball cap so as to not mess up our hair. Until recently there was no planned activity on Friday evening, now Shelton Rotary sponsors OysterFunk. We had a few campers in 1991, now welcome over 500. On Saturday traffic used to get backed up to the Shelton Matlock exit as folks entered the fairgrounds. Now, in the newer location, there are few back-ups.

Much is the same. OysterFest is still sponsored by Skookum Rotary Club. The vendors remain local non-profit organizations, earning money to support their programs. Attendees can feel great that all of the money they spend goes to help the community. You may still buy a signed poster with original art work. You may take your kids to the touch tanks and feel a sea cucumber. And yes, you can still enjoy grilled oysters provided by the Boy Scouts.

You can eat Shelton Rotary’s oyster fritters and Xinh’s famous mussel curry. You may have salmon and fry bread provided by the Squaxin Elders. And most importantly, you can meet up with friends that you haven’t seen in the last three years.

As always, OysterFest takes the entire community to be successful, and we thank all of the people that rallied this year to make it happen.

Another thing that hasn’t changed, except for the times getting faster and faster, is the shucking contest. The winner of the OysterFest 10 Half Shell Shucking contest was Xinh Dwelley. Does that name sound familiar? It should, she won most of the contests in the early years And then she moved over to the OysterFest cooking contest, which she won. This led to Xinh’s Clam and Oyster House, a fixture on Railroad Avenue in Shelton for many years. In recent years she has published two cook books and Xinh has always been a fixture and a positive influence at OysterFest since its inception in 1982.

I am pleased to say that this year Xinh is the first ever “Honorary GOO.” Congratulations Xinh, you certainly deserve this honor!

It’s been a while. I bet those of you that have attended OysterFest in the past missed it dearly. We are ready for your return. And those of you that haven’t ever attended, this is your chance to see for yourself what all buzz is all about around OysterFest. Mark the evening of September 30 as well as all day October 1 and 2 on your calendar! You certainly will not be disappointed.

Bob Miller | GOO 1991 and 2022

It’s Oyster Season in Shelton!

The cooler weather is great for oysters but it does mean you needto prepare for rain and wind. Here’s a few other things to knowbefore you head to Washington State’s official Seafood Festival.

Getting here

OysterFest is hosted at the Shelton Airport north of Shelton off Hwy 101 (Map: 250 W Sanderson Way.) There is parking and room for RVs onsite.

Shuttle services in Shelton

Free shuttle bus service will be provided at Shelton Civic Center and from Shelton High School. Shuttles run Saturday and Sunday

Parking is free

Handicap parking is available near the gates. Exit Hwy 101 on to Sanderson Way and follow signs to OysterFest.

Cash machines & wifi on site

There will be ATM’s located at the event. Thank you IFiber and PUD#3 for hosting free wifi!

Please leave pets at home

Pets ARE NOT ALLOWED at the event with the exception of service animals.

Hours & Admission

OysterFunk: September 30, 6 - 9 PM. Admission $5 (21+) at the gate. Beer, wine, oysters and food available.

OysterFest: October 1 & 2 Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Admission: Adults: $10.00, 8-17 $5, Kids 7 and under FREE. Tickets are available online, at the gate, or with by scanning the QR code below.