Brunswick County Chamber: 29th Annual NC Oyster Festival a success

Ocean Isle Beach, NC  –  The 29th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival was held October 17 & 18, 2009 on Ocean Isle Beach.  The event boosted a total of 35,000 festival attendees over the 2 day event.  The NC Oyster Festival, a 2 day festival which included over 120 authentic arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, roasted oysters, local nonprofits, a children’s area, live entertainment, Oyster Stew Cook-Off, NC Oyster Shucking Championships, Road Race, and new to 2009 – a Shag Dancing Contest!  “There was something for everyone at this year’s event!” said Megan Masser, Events Director.

The event is kicked off with a 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Run starting at the OIB Community Center.  1st Place overall winner of the 5K race was Connor Flater of High Point, NC and 1st Place in the 10K was Wylie Penegar of Lancaster, SC.  Top winners received prizes from Try Sports of Wilmington.  Saturday evening the exciting North Carolina Oyster Shucking Championships was held!  The winner of the Professional Division will attend the 2010 National Oyster Shucking Championship held in Maryland.  This year’s professional division included seven of the area’s best oyster shuckers, the overall champion was Lisa Bellamy.  In the amateur division, five people competed and the winner was Barry Ervin.

On Sunday, 350 people lined up with their tickets to try the tastiest oyster stews in Brunswick County at the Oyster Stew Cook-Off!  Winners this year were The Boundary House in 1st Place and Ocean Ridge Plantation in 2nd Place.  Winners received cash prizes, plaques, and bragging rights until next year!  The 1st Annual NC Oyster Festival Shag Contest was held this year on Sunday afternoon.  This crowd pleasing addition is one which will stay with the oyster festival for years to come.  Winning couple of the beginner division was Carol & Danny Everhart, and the winning couple of the novice division was Mike & Julie Rogers.  Winners received private lessons by Jim Sterner & Donna Rosen and trophies sponsored by 94.9 the Surf Radio.

Next year, the NC Oyster Festival will celebrate its 30th Anniversary at the new Ocean Isle Beach Park off Georgetown Road!  “The new site will allow the festival to grow; it will feature more artists, more crafts, and more entertainment.  We are excited as plans are already taking shape” said Cathy Altman, CEO/President of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce.   This anniversary will come with a few new exciting additions, so make sure to attend.  The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking artwork & t-shirts from the past 29 years (some years excluded).  The event is also proud to bring back the Saltwater Sensations Cookbook.  If you have any delicious seafood recipes that you would like to submit to be added please contact Megan Masser at 910.754.6644, recipe deadline is December 15, 2009.