What: |
The annual Wellfleet OysterFest is a two-day celebration of the town’s famous oysters and its deep-rooted shellfishing traditions. Wellfleet’s town center comes alive for this street party that brings together locals and visitors alike for a weekend full of food, art, music, fun and games. |
When: |
Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, 2011 . Please check the schedule of events for additional activities starting Friday, October 14th. Main Street activities take place on Saturday and Sunday only. |
Where: |
Main Street in Wellfleet, located on Cape Cod, Mass., 100 miles/two hours from Boston, Mass. and Providence, R.I. |
To Do: |
There is something for everyone at the Wellfleet OysterFest. Take a fun fall weekend get-away and experience: |
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Local cuisine: Throughout the weekend, local shellfishermen and women come in off the tides to offer their briny, luscious oysters and clams. Alongside the rawbars, restaurants serve up chowders, stuffed clams, and other traditional New England fare. |
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New England brews: Enjoy New England beers and ales - considered classic accompaniments to oysters. Wine and Champagne offered too! |
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Beautiful arts and crafts: Nearly 100 carefully selected artisans and artists show off a stunning range of arts and crafts including handmade jewelry, paintings, sweaters, soaps, furniture, jams, and more. |
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Competitive fun: The Town's Recreation Department organizes a 5K road race and a Tennis Round Robin. Test your spelling skills in the marine-themed spelling bee, held at the Wellfleet Public Library! |
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Oyster Shuck-Off: What draws the biggest crowd is the Oyster Shuck-Off, with round one on Saturday afternoon and the final shuck-off on Sunday. Amateurs compete for the fun of it, and some of Wellfleet's home-town shuckers have been fast enough to go on to compete nationally. Cash prizes for the top three winners. |
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Special activities for kids: Children revel in an area set aside for games, craft activities, and the ever-popular moonbounce. Wellfleet Recreation Department, sponsors of the 5k road race include a "fun run" just for kids, and the spelling bee also includes a children's round. |
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Lots more to learn and do: Educational displays put together by some of Cape Cod's top experts on the local marine environment line Main Street for the weekend. In an effort to partner with our wonderful community, SPAT offers space at the 'Fest for a limited number of our local community service organizations to raise awareness about their important missions. The Mass Audubon Society, Cape Cod Stranding Network, the National Park Service, and the Wellfleet Historical Society, to name just a few, all offer fun and information. Music, poetry, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, nature walk, oyster grant tour, Shucky's Day (visit a grant, dig for oysters then meet at a local eatery to learn to shuck, then slurp and enjoy with carefully selected wines) all to entertain the crowds throughout the weekend and in many venues throughout our charming seaside village. |
Who: |
The Wellfleet OysterFest is brought to you by SPAT (Shellfish Promotion and Tasting), a non-profit organization devoted to fostering a greater understanding of the town’s shellfishing traditions. Many fantastic volunteers donate their time to making the OysterFest an incredible success each year. The festivities are generously supported by individual contributors and with funding from local businesses. |
Why: |
Proceeds support the festival itself, as well as SPAT’s educational programs. Each year, the organization creates educational activities designed to improve knowledge and awareness of area shellfishing traditions and techniques. Proceeds also support a Nauset Regional High School scholarship for graduating seniors interested in pursuing college studies related to the shellfish industry. In addition, SPAT awards educational grants to individuals or organizations who seek to further the understanding or foster an appreciation of Wellfleet's shellfishery and its history and traditions; an important part of our community life. |
More Info: |
Cost: All food and retail items priced individually. All activities for children are free.
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Parking: Strolling replaces car traffic from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Parking is available on the town pier and designated ocean beach lots with frequent shuttle service to and from Main Street. Walk-in parking is available at Cove Corners (by the Wellfleet Post Office) and at the Wellfleet Elementary School. |
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Accessibility: All main festival areas are handicap accessible. Handicap parking will be available in the Mayo Beach parking area with free Handicap shuttle to and from Main Street. In the main festival area, one handicap accessible restroom is available in the parking lot across from the old Catholic church, with three additional restrooms located behind the food tents in Town Hall parking lot. Drivers are permitted and encouraged to drop off persons in wheelchairs at either entrance and then park car in any of the available lots. OysterFest staff or Wellfleet Police will assist upon request. |
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Pets: Board of Health regulations require that the OysterFest prohibit pets in the festival area. Be considerate to your pet and fellow attendees (especially small children) and leave your pet at home! |
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Weather: The OysterFest goes on rain or shine! |
For More Information: |
