Explore Hood Canal
For four decades “OysterFest” has been an important event to the Shelton area. Although Washington seafood and drink anchor the festivities, there is much to see and do at this celebration that has had a profound impact on local non-profits.
The Washington State Seafood Festival (OysterFest) is hosted and presented by the Skookum Rotary Club in Shelton about 20 minutes from Olympia. For 42 years, members, their families, and over 500 local volunteers have created an event that raises over $200K each year for local non-profits!
The festival has something for everyone including locally harvested seafood (non-seafood too), beer gardens and a Washington Wine Pavilion. It’s not just food, explore environmental booths and activities and don’t miss the mini golf, face painting, or the children’s train rides around the event grounds.
The event hosts live music but the real excitement is on the Oyster Shucking stage as shuckers compete in Speed Shucking and Half Shell trials. Last year the record was one minute 13 seconds for two dozen! Insert, twist, flick, repeat. Sounds simple, right? If you have ever attempted to shuck an oyster you will know that it is anything but easy! Competition shuckers know just where to insert their knife to coax the shell open without leaving a shattered mess or a stabbed artery. The West Coast Shucking Championship goes through more than 6,000 oysters each year! Thank you Taylor Shellfish!
The fun starts Friday night with the Oyster Funk celebration, so pack up your camper – and the whole family -- and stay on site all weekend! Be aware that some of the best camping areas fill fast and early. Visit oysterfest.org to reserve the best spots. Great food and company, fantastic views from your campsite of the Olympic Mountains, and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy all weekend – it’s time to make plans for Skookum Rotary’s OysterFest event, October 5 – 6.
