The annual Oyster Fest will return this fall to the streets of the downtown and Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay. Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz and organizers and sponsors of the 43rd Oyster Fest announced the return of the iconic seaside festival this October 17th and 18th. The event is sponsored in partnership with the Town of Oyster Bay and the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce.
“From great live music to delicious food, craft and merchandise vendors, amusement rides, seafood court, food trucks and so much more, this year’s Oyster Fest has something for everyone,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The Oyster Fest showcases our beautiful Town and historic sites while helping to raise charitable funds for local non-profit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Life Enrichment Center, Friends of the Bay and Youth and Family Counseling. We’re also putting the local oyster back in Oyster Fest, with oysters being served coming from Long Island growers and harvesters.”
In addition to delicious food vendors, various merchandise exhibits, amusement rides, oyster eating and shucking contests, and Newton Shows Carnival, this year’s Oyster Festival will once again take part in the Town’s shell recycling program, through which the Town collects shells from local partners to strengthen the marine ecosystem. Anyone interested in volunteering to take part in the shellfish recycling efforts during Oyster Fest can contact the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5752 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/volunteer to sign up.
This year’s event will also feature a special Sensory Friendly Family Hour, which will take place one hour before the Festival officially opens on Sunday. Sponsored by Sensory Island, from 10am to 11am Sunday, October 18th, all rides will open specifically for children with sensory sensitivities.
“Many children with sensory needs find large festivals overwhelming, and this Sensory Friendly Family Hour gives them and their families a chance to enjoy the rides at their own pace before the crowds arrive,” said Councilwoman Walsh.
This year’s Festival also welcomes players from the Savannah Bananas, who will be on hand to meet fans, share some baseball magic and sign autographs on both Saturday and Sunday. The event also welcomes back the Kings of the Coast Pirate Show, a high-energy pirate demonstration located by the waterfront. There will be live music featured both in the park and along Audrey Avenue, with various musical acts performing throughout the weekend. Parking at Oyster Fest is extremely limited, and residents are encouraged to park at alternate locations and take a shuttle bus ride to the festival – details on transportation alternatives are available at theoysterfest.org.
The Oyster Festival is among the largest waterfront festivals on the East Coast, attracting up to 200,000 people from all over the tristate area to Oyster Bay hamlet. This year’s event is presented by Property Tax Reduction Consultants, and powered by Optimum, Legame Permanent Jewelry, Catholic Health and Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union. For more information on this year’s Oyster Fest, taking place on the streets of Oyster Bay and throughout Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 17th and 18th, visit www.theoysterfest.org.
Supervisor Saladino (center), Councilwoman Vicki Walsh (second from right), Town Clerk Rich LaMarca (left) and Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (right) announce details of the 43rd Oyster Fest, presented by Property Tax Reduction Consultants, represented by President & Founder Sean Acosta (second from left).