The Sixth Annual Wellfleet Oysterfest

In 1605, explorer Samuel Champlain called Wellfleet Harbor "bay des huitres," which means "oyster bay." Today, oyster lovers know the name Wellfleet is synonymous with a distinctive brininess that sings of the pristine salty waters of this seaside village. Each year during the weekend after Columbus Day, thousands gather to pay tribute to the most luscious of oysters by flocking to this small Cape Cod town for the Wellfleet OysterFest.

On October 14 and 15, 2006, adorers from afar will join local revelers to celebrate the fall harvest and support Wellfleet's shellfishing families by enjoying, and eating, the famous catch. The must-see event is the Oyster Shuck-Off where challengers wrestle open 24 oysters as fast as they possibly can. Bragging rights for the year are at stake, in addition to the opportunity to qualify for the national oyster shucking competition.

"With centuries of proud shellfishing history, Wellfleet is the place to be mid-October," says Shellfish Promotion and Tasting's (SPAT) president, Lisa Brown. "And imagine the pure pleasure of eating an oyster just shucked by one of the fastest shuckers in the country."

The Wellfleet OysterFest is organized by SPAT, a local non-profit group devoted to fostering a greater understanding of the town's shellfishing traditions. Proceeds from the 'Fest help the organization realize its educational initiatives and support Wellfleet's shellfishing community. This year, SPAT created an ongoing aquaculture-based scholarship in collaboration with Nauset Regional High School, awarding $2,500 a year to a student pursuing higher learning in aquaculture or a related field.

Live bands, educational exhibits, an oyster grant tour, cooking demos, children's activities, a pet parade, and over 70 artisans will take over this otherwise quiet Cape hamlet in honor of its favorite delicacies. The Massachusetts Audubon Society will offer harbor cruises and a nature walk, while tennis round robins, a spelling bee, a kayak challenge, and road races are a few of the other highlights.

Local shellfishermen and women will happily be selling their "wares," as almost 50,000 oysters and littleneck clams will be served up freshly shucked, baked, steamed, fried, in creamy chowders, in spicy stews and plenty of other classic New England favorites. Local microbrews are on tap all weekend to wash it all down.

Kicking off the weekend's festivities, Chequessett Yacht and Country Club will host a golf tournament to benefit SPAT on Friday afternoon, October 13, and Friday night boasts the not-to-be-missed Disco Night at the Lighthouse restaurant.

The 'Fest couldn't happen without the support of its loyal sponsors, which this year include Mid-Cape Home Centers, Claire Carroll Properties, Seamen's Bank and TD Banknorth.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.wellfleetoysterfest.org. Press inquiries, interviews and photo requests, contact Nancy Civetta at nancy@civettacom.com or 617.577.8098.

Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting (SPAT)
Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting is SPAT, a name that honors the oyster, which begins life as a free-swimming larva called spat. SPAT is a non-profit organization that fosters greater understanding of the town's shellfishing industry and the history and traditions of its aquaculture and wild fisheries. SPAT produces the annual Wellfleet OysterFest and proceeds support its educational mission, including a scholarship program for people pursuing careers in shellfishing or those whose creative and educational work increases awareness of Wellfleet's shellfishery, an important part of our community life.