[dropcap]R[/dropcap]evelers will find more than pearls at the 5th annual Fort Pierce Oyster Festival, Saturday, April 2, along the Ft. Pierce waterfront at 600 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce. The event will feature marine eco exhibits, children’s activities at the Manatee Center, art, music, vendors, cold beer and an array of oysters served both cooked and on the half shell.
The festival, which boasted nearly 10,000 attendees last year, benefits Sea-Life Habitat Improvement Project, Inc. (aka SHIP). The proceeds will aid in deploying a large Navy-type vessel as an artificial reef on the Treasure Coast. According to event coordinators, 800 gallons of oyster shells were donated to the St. Lucie County Oyster Reef Restoration Project last year.
“If we shuck and serve all of the oysters that we have on order for this event that will be more than 14,000 oysters. That’s a lot of shucking,” says Andy Brady, president of SHIP. “This is just one way we can give back to our marine environment which we have taken so much from. Encouraging and forging healthy marine habitats is a key component to our mission statement.”
“In an effort to increase our shucking capabilities, we have included a shucking contest to this year’s event,” says Brady. “Enter your team and compete for ‘Top Shucking’ honors. We hope this will add a fun element and help share the shucking load. Teams will be judged on volume, presentation and endurance. It’s a great opportunity for vendors, service clubs and sponsors to network in the community and enjoy the beautiful Ft. Pierce waterfront.”
Over 200 volunteers are needed for the event. Shuckers and servers are always needed. This is also a great opportunity for high school students to earn hours toward their graduation requirements.
For more information, contact April Price (772) 285-1646 or go to our web site at www.FtPierceOysterFest.com.
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