ROCKPORT, Texas — The Fulton Volunteer Fire Department’s 41st Annual Oysterfest at the Fulton Harbor begins today, March 5th and continues through March 8th.
The festival begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday with a $2 admission and is free for active military.
Fireworks are back and bigger and better than last year. Organizers say that fireworks will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Admission on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is $5 per person, 12 years and over.
Enjoy arts and crafts vendors, musical entertainment, a carnival, and tons of food.
"Boo the Clown will be available throughout the weekend. A free bus pickup will be available on Googles Cole Blvd (formerly 9th St.) and Chaparral Streets. Buses and golf carts will run the streets of Fulton offering a free ride to the festival grounds. Thursday live music will include music by Rowdy H., Cody Joe Hodges, and Dean Adamson," said organizers.
On Saturday, March 7, from 4 to 6 p.m., the legendary Moe Bandy will take the stage at Oysterfest.
"If you love to eat oysters, you’ll find the freshest ones here and you will find them prepared in many delicious ways. If you really love to eat oysters, you might consider entering the oyster eating contest. There’s one for men and one for women, with a top prize of $200 for the winner of each contest. Cash prizes will be given to the top 3 in each category," added organizers.
The men’s contest begins on Saturday, March 7, at 3 p.m. and the women’s contest is on Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m.
"If you think you can get these tasty morsels out of their shells in the blink of an eye, enter the oyster shucking contest at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 8 with a chance to take home the top prize of $200," said organizers.
According to organizers, one of the most unique contests at Oysterfest is the Oyster Decorating Contest.
"If you can dream it, you can make it. Put on your Oyster caps and see what you can make with these easy to acquire shells. The creations will be judged at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6. Your imagination is the only limit for a chance at the coveted trophy and cash prizes are awarded to the Top 3 contestants," added organizers.
On Friday, March 6, Oysterfest is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m, and the Arts & Crafts area closes at 11 p.m.
The Oysterfest parade on Saturday, March 7, begins at 11 a.m. at the intersection of S. Fulton Beach Road and Traylor Blvd.
It will proceed North down Fulton Beach Road and concludes at the festival grounds on the waterfront. Entertainment throughout the day will include Ernie, T Kaye, and Bandana Rose, Texas Gypsies, Moe Bandy Charles Thibodeaux and the Austin Cajun Ace, Darrin Brown, and Charlee Mykels & Swampfever Band. Grounds are open 10 a.m. to midnight.
The 41st Annual Oysterfest attracts more than 30,000 attendees and began as a labor of love by the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department.
Organizers say the funds are used to purchase life-saving and firefighting equipment. Oysterfest proceeds are still a major source of funds for fire protection equipment in the community.
"Oysterfest creates fundraising opportunities for several non-profit local community groups. St Peter’s Catholic Church, Fulton Community Church, Rockport Volunteer Fire Department, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, RFHS Project Graduation, Templo Fuente De Bendicion, Fulton Volunteer Ladies Auxiliary, Lion’s Club, and Rockport Masonic Lodge will provide booths offering up a variety of food and drinks. NJROTC, the group in charge of clean-up will also be provided the opportunity to raise funds for projects such as summer camp and the military ball," stated organizers.
To volunteer, call or text 361-463-9955 or email fultonoysterfest@gmail.com
For more information on the Fulton Oysterfest visit www.fultonoysterfest.org
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