The 16th annual Wellfleet OysterFest, produced by Wellfleet SPAT (Shellfish Promotion and Tasting, Inc.), is happening--as scheduled--this weekend, October 15 and 16 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day.
I say "as scheduled" because--sadly--the festival is being hosted without any oysters! Due to a public health concern with shellfish in Wellfleet’s harbor – and in response to a closure issued by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (Mass. DMF) – SPAT has decided not to serve any raw shellfish at this year’s festival. The closure is not related to recent closures due to “ASP” nor is it Vibrio-related.
The good news? The annual Shuck Off is going on with oysters sourced from outside, open shellfish areas. Additionally, food vendors at the event are dishing out a lot of other tasty treats including conch fritters, pumpkin bisque, fish tacos, roasted sweet corn, grilled swordfish, savory crepes, steamed mussels and even barbecue.
I say "as scheduled" because--sadly--the festival is being hosted without any oysters! Due to a public health concern with shellfish in Wellfleet’s harbor – and in response to a closure issued by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (Mass. DMF) – SPAT has decided not to serve any raw shellfish at this year’s festival. The closure is not related to recent closures due to “ASP” nor is it Vibrio-related.
The good news? The annual Shuck Off is going on with oysters sourced from outside, open shellfish areas. Additionally, food vendors at the event are dishing out a lot of other tasty treats including conch fritters, pumpkin bisque, fish tacos, roasted sweet corn, grilled swordfish, savory crepes, steamed mussels and even barbecue.
Check out this succulent slice of grilled swordfish from Hatch's Fish Market! I hear today they are grilling scallops--but you have to get there early!
I'm thrilled to report that the crowds on Saturday were epic! So many people came to support the festival--and made donations to the fund for all the oyster farmers who are losing a huge chunk of their income this oysterless-weekend. The music is terrific--the crafts booths are fab--the beer is flowing--and the shuck off continues today at 1:00 p.m.
Canadian chef John Baby and yours truly are honored to be judging the oyster competition. So come on out!
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