Business Matters | Volume 4, Issue 3

Celebrating it’s 40th anniversary (1982-2022) the much-celebrated event is October 1-2 at the Port of Shelton’s Sanderson Airport. Locals rejoice! September 30 is the return of OysterFunk, when the 21+ prefunk starts onsite Friday at 6:00pm to kick of the oyster slurping with live music and microbrews.

For four decades “OysterFest” has been an important event to Mason County. Although food and drink anchor the festivities, there is much to see and do for the whole family at this celebration that has a profound impact on many local non-profits. Live music, onsite camping, Pacific Northwest microbrews and Washington wines, educational exhibits, and activities for the whole family highlighted by the shucking championship, kiddie train rides, and even a kid’s stage.

Looking for a new arrival at OysterFest? This year a seafood chowder cook-off takes stage where both the pros and home chefs can compete to be named the best in the Pacific Northwest. Saturday features the professional competition while Sunday wraps things up with the amateurs.

This competition is judged by beloved and renowned chef Xinh Dwelley. She herself being a feature of this year’s OysterFest, named by Rotary as the Honorary Grand Old Oyster (or GOO by those in the know).

RV and camping reservations are open but filling quickly – so make your reservation soon! Folks looking to give back to the community or interested in complimentary entry and a volunteer t-shirt can sign up for a shift in several capacities.

Skookum Rotary Club is committed to OysterFest's success. Every year, members and their families plan, set up, run, and tear down the event. One of the major reasons they do so is to assist local nonprofits. To be a food vendor, organizations are required to be a nonprofit serving Mason County. From traditional fair fare to seafood delights, there is something to suit everyone's tastes.

Speaking of seafood, don’t miss the excitement on the Shucking Stage. On both days, oyster shuckers compete for cash prizes and national recognition. Shelton’s championship is the

preliminary event to the United States shuckoffat St. Mary’s Oyster Festival in Maryland.Each year, the competitions goes throughmore than 6,000 of Taylor Shellfish’s donatedoysters for the speed and the half-shellcompetitions.

Go to oysterfest.org to learn more, makereservations, purchase tickets, and sign up tovolunteer now. Tickets are available online orat the gate. Parking is free, with handicap andVIP parking available near the gates. Dogs,with the exception of service animals, are notallowed inside festival gates. Fires areprohibited on all grounds. Exit Highway 101 onto Sanderson Way and follow the signs.

HOURS & ADMISSIONOysterFunk on September 30 6-9pm, Ages 21+ are $5

OysterFest is October 1 & 2 Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 10am – 5pm Adults are $10, 8-17 are $5, Children 7 & younger are free