A Festival of Mollusks, Music, and More


The 2012 New Orleans Oyster Festival is only a day away.  The festival is out of its infant stages and well into being a toddler with this being its 3rd year.  There is going to be several events to look forward to this year that have happened in the past.  On Saturday June 2nd, from 2:30pm - 3:15pm, P & J Oyster Company will be holding its Oyster Shucking Contest.  This event honors those who have mastered the craft of shucking oysters; last year’s winner was Gus Marshall from Desire Oyster Bar.  On Sunday, June 3rd, the rest of us get a chance to participate in a contest.  The Acme Oyster House will be hosting their oyster eating contest from 1:45pm - 3pm.  An hour and fifteen minutes sounds like a long time for an eating contest, but Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertolett ate 39 DOZEN oysters last year!  I think I would need a couple days to accomplish that feat.
As for the music side of the festival, the lineup has a lot of notable bands and artists.  My favorites include the Treme Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, and Bonerama; if you want to see the full line-up click HERE.
This festival came into being to celebrate the businesses, their hard workers, and their families who bring New Orleans and the world the succulent, delicious taste that can only be found in a Gulf Shore oyster.  These people have taken tremendous strides since hurricane Katrina, and BP's disastrous oil spill that ravaged our coastline.  I am glad that they have their own festival to celebrate their passions and I can’t wait to take part in this year’s festival.
So Come on down to the riverfront in the French Quarter, enjoy some food, some sunshine, some music and support your community. You might just see some oysters, as well as people, dance right out of their shells!

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