by Mary-Devon Dupuy

People of the Gulf Coast have no trouble identifying the region’s most valuable natural resource—seafood. And they have no problem celebrating it, either. Coming up this weekend in Woldenberg Park is the city’s third annual Oyster Fest, an homage to one of our most versatile ingredients. During the June 2-3 fest, there will of course there will be a tent for the kids and a mascot, but the real draw is the adult activities.

The P&J Oyster Shucking Contest will take place on June 2, from 2:30-3:15pm. In just two minutes, the city’s most capable shuckers will scramble to crack open as many oysters as they can and potentially win the #1 title. Last year's winner was Gus Marshall of the Desire Oyster Bar. Participants will be professionals, so don’t get any ideas.

If you start to feel self conscious about pigging out on some of the city’s richest fare, you can ease your guilt at the Acme Oyster House Eating Contest on June 3, from 1:45-3pm. Last year’s winner, Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertolett ate 39 dozen (468 individual) oysters in eight minutes, so don’t even talk to these eaters about how “full” you are after your measly two dozen oyster snack.   

Sal Sunseri, president of P&J Oyster Company, told us a little more about what makes the fest special. Everything from the food line up to the vendors will stay true to theme.

“There’s going to be craft vendors with oyster shell art, oyster plates, oyster photography, an oyster knife maker, and oyster jewelry,” he said. 

Sunseri also said there will be a kid’s tent where “Olly the Oyster” will be assisting kids with arts and crafts. Little oyster lovers will be provided with art supplies, including coloring books and oyster shells.

The festival also boasts an impressive music lineup, with names like Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, and The Benjy Davis Project. For a complete line up of all the music and oyster-related contests, visit the fest’s schedule.

Sunseri said the festival is a celebration of all the people that devote their lives to providing New Orleanians with the highest quality seafood out there.

“We are celebrating the oyster farmers, restaurateurs, and chefs that have created the oyster capital of America, right here in the French Quarter.”

Proceeds from the festival go towards coastal restoration and French Quarter preservation, so bring your appetite and don’t be shy. Oyster lovers, get ready for a shuckin’ good time!