I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.      —Zora Neale Hurston

Cape Cod’s famous Oyster Shuck-Off at the annual Wellfleet OysterFest boasts fierce competition, as men and women hunker down and shuck like they never shucked before. Contestants are given 24 oysters to quickly rip apart at the seams. But speed isn’t the only crucial element; aesthetic presentation counts, too. Controversial rulings have been known to fire up the crowd of thousands, as devastating time penalties are added for broken shells, massacred oysters, and blood shed from slashed fingers. Adventurous members of the audience dodge flying shells in hopes of bidding on trays of the briny delicacies and eating a piece of oyster history.

WHO:

The fastest oyster shuckers in the area, including Wellfleet commercial fishermen and chefs from near and far.

WHAT:

Oyster Shuck-Off at the Annual Wellfleet OysterFest put on by Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting.

WHERE:

Main Stage behind Town Hall, 300 Main Street, Wellfleet, Cape Cod, Mass. 02667 (less than two hours from Boston).

WHEN:

Saturday (preliminaries) and Sunday (finals), during the Wellfleet OysterFest, held annually the weekend after Columbus Day. Time is usually 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., but check schedule for updates.

WHY:

Winner earns a $1,000 cash prize and qualifies to compete in the National U.S. Oyster Shucking Championship Contest in St. Mary's County, Maryland.

2007 Shuck Off

Barbara Austin wins again!

Barbara Austin            2:51

Keith Rose                 3:34

Past Winners

2006 - Barbara Austin

2005 - William "Chopper" Young, Jr.

2004 - Paul Suggs

2003 - Karl Barrio

2002 - William "Chopper" Young, Jr

2001 - Keith Rose

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If you are a member of the media interested in sending a camera to capture this electrifying contest, call Nancy Civetta at 617-577-8098. Interviews with past winners and current title-holders can be arranged upon request. Please contact Nancy Civetta at nancy@civettacom.com or 617-577-8098.