After a two year hiatus, the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival will return this fall to the streets of Oyster Bay. Supervisor Joseph Saladino, his colleagues on the Town Board and organizers and sponsors of the 39th Oyster Festival announced the return of the iconic seaside festival this October 15th and 16th. Supervisor Saladino, together with Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Lou Imbroto, Councilwoman Laura Maier, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca and Receiver Jeff Pravato; joined with Catholic Health President & CEO Patrick M. O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA; Richard Kessel, Nassau County IDA; Harlan Friedman, Oyster Fest co-producer; and Judy Wasilchuck, co-president of the Oyster Bay/East Norwich Rotary, in making the announcement.
“From delicious food vendors, various merchandise exhibits, amusement rides and a waterfront family fun zone – the list goes on – the Oyster Festival has something for everyone. For nearly four decades, this annual tradition has provided so many great attractions, and we are confident that it will come back this year better than ever,” said Supervisor Saladino. “More importantly, this wonderful event does so much more than give patrons the chance to enjoy a delicious meal and purchase some great merchandise. The Oyster Festival not only allows us to showcase our beautiful Town and all it has to offer, it is a major fundraising event which benefits several local non-profit organizations.”
The Oyster Festival is the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival and attracts up to 200,000 people from all over the tristate area to Oyster Bay hamlet for this iconic event. In addition to delicious food vendors, various merchandise exhibits, amusement rides and a waterfront family fun zone, this year, the Oyster Festival will be the first seafood festival to take part in the Town’s new shell recycling program, through which the Town collects shells from local partners in an effort to help strengthen the marine ecosystem.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman added, “I am excited to join Supervisor Saladino in welcoming back the Oyster Festival after the popular event was canceled for the last two years because of the COVID pandemic. This great family friendly event brings thousands of visitors to Nassau every year, and is a great way to show off all Nassau County has to offer. Nassau is back and open for business!”
“The annual Oyster Festival is a wonderful celebration of community and camaraderie,” said Dr. O’Shaughnessy. “At Catholic Health, we feel a deep connection to community and to Long Island’s heritage. It’s an honor to partner with the Town of Oyster Bay for this weekend event, one that truly reflects the community’s unique character.”