Over Columbus Day weekend, the island becomes almost as crowded as it is during the week of the annual pony swim, as seafood lovers come from all directions for the annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival. This year, the festival will be held Saturday, October 8, 2005, at the the Maddox Family Campground. The event will be held rain or shine, so bring a poncho or raincoat just in case.
Participants can feast on oysters prepared in just about every way you can imagine! They are served raw on the half shell, steamed, fried, Rockefeller, and more variations than I can list here. Also on the menu are clam fritters, wonderful Southern hush puppies, coleslaw, potato salad, and hot dogs (for the kids who haven't acquired a taste for oysters). Between the hours of noon and 4pm, $35 dollars covers all you care to eat, while children under 5 eat free. As an oyster lover (and these are the best on the East coast), I usually skip the side dishes and feast strictly on oysters.
There is always live entertainment by local bands, as well as several activities for everyone in the family. Activities include a cooking contest, raffle and games for the kids. The gates open and activities begin at noon on the day of the festival.
The is sponsored by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce in order to mark the arrival of the oyster season. This popular event is always a sell-out, so purchase your tickets early, either online or by calling the Chincoteague Chamber of Congress. Be sure to book your accommodations early as well, as the hotels and rental units fill up quickly.
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 258
Chincoteague, VA 23336
(757) 336-6161
http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/oyster-festival/index.html