Wellfleet, Mass. — August 19, 2013 — The following was released on behalf of the Wellfleet OysterFest:
The Wellfleet OysterFest will charge admission for the first time in the event's 12 year history. Tickets will be sold online starting this week through a link on www.wellfleetoysterfest.org. Ticket prices are $5 for one day, $8 for two days and children 12 and under are free.
The Wellfleet OysterFest will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. "Purchase tickets in advance and get into the 'Fest fast," encourages SPAT Manager, Michele Insley. "Having your pre-printed ticket ready at the gate will allow you easy access to start enjoying all of the music, crafts and events the 'Fest has to offer."
The 'Fest will include over 110 artisans, food vendors, raw bars and community organizations. Live Music will be performed by local favorites Crabgrass, Sarah Swain and the Oh Boys and The Rip It Ups. The Family Fun Area will feature educational activities, crafts, moonbounces, clowns, face painting and performances. There will be plenty of recreational activities such as nature walks, oyster reef tours, road races, a dance party and a skateboard competition. This year there will be several new educational programs and partnerships including films screenings at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater and the Wellfleet Public Library; a lecture series developed by Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary; and a culinary tasting experience called Taste the Terrior and the Merrior. The Annual Oyster Shucking Competition will include shuckers from the north-east.
The decision to charge admission was given due consideration. Organizers and town officials believe an admission fee will make the event sustainable, safe and enjoyable for years to come. As always, free parking with convenient shuttle bus transportation directly to the 'Fest is provided by SPAT from the area beaches. Absolutely no outside alcohol or pets will be allowed into the 'Fest.
Help Out at the 'Fest
The Wellfleet OysterFest is organized by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, a handful of volunteers throughout the year, two part-time staff people and over a hundred volunteers on festival weekend. An event the size of the OysterFest takes incredible planning, time and hard work. It could not survive without continued and new community involvement. Have a fun and rewarding volunteer experience at the 'Fest this year and help make the event better than ever. Visit the Volunteer tab on the website for a list of job descriptions or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Alison Kochen at allison@wellfleetoysterfest.org.
About SPAT
With a name that credits an oyster's beginnings, Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting, Inc. (SPAT) is a non-profit organization devoted to fostering a greater understanding of the town's shellfishing industry, the history and traditions of its aquaculture and wild fisheries, and to enhancing the Town of Wellfleet by supporting its community. SPAT produces the annual Wellfleet OysterFest which will take the weekend after Columbus Day each year. Proceeds from the event support the organizations educational mission including a Nauset Regional High School scholarship program and community grant awards to people pursuing careers in shellfishing or whose creative and educational work increases awareness of Wellfleet's shellfishing industry, an important part of our community life. To date, SPAT has awarded more than $125,000 between the high school scholarship program and its community grants. www.wellfleetoysterfest.org/spat.html.