40 bushels of oysters, 235 pounds of shrimp, 45 gallons of fish stew. All that, and dessert, too, was served up to over 200 locals and visitors who turned out last December for the 2013 Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association Oyster Roast fundraiser.
Last year’s event was, as working waterman Rudy Austin said, “Outstanding! Pretty days make all the difference.”
We got lucky with the weather in ’13, and a sunny day brings out the shuckers. They lined up at makeshift tables and slurped down the slick, moist delicacies. Other eager eaters sat at picnic tables, peeling and eating shrimp, or enjoying fish stew. Old people, young people, babies, dogs – everybody likes an Oyster Roast when it’s sunny and warm(ish). Here's hoping for clement weather again this year!
Vince O’Neal made the delicious fish stew with sheepshead, drum, wahoo, flounder, backfin crabmeat, shrimp, potatoes, onions, and seasoning. It was as good as it sounds.
“The shrimp is the biggest draw,” said Patty Plyler, who manages Ocracoke Seafood Company, the retail side of the fish house. “It was so popular last year, we ran out – but we’ll have even more this year.”
Patty attributes the popularity of the shrimp to the fact that so many people only have access to imported shrimp and they’re excited to devour fresh, local crustaceans. Also, she added, “Not everyone liked oysters.” Say it ain’t so, Patty!
“Everything you’re eating here is from North Carolina,” said Vince O’Neal at last year’s roast. “These are Pamlico Sound oysters – one of the great resources we have in North Carolina. This Oyster Roast is our way of giving back to the community for supporting the fish house and working watermen.”
Visitors plan their trips to Ocracoke just for the Oyster Roast, returning year after year for the oysters – and the holiday spirit of the New Year. You get a belly full of fresh Ocracoke seafood (washed down with a couple of beers) and you are brimming over with peace on earth, goodwill towards all, not to mention tidings of comfort and joy. The scene’s convivial – and it just makes you feel jolly about Ocracoke.
“Having this many people come out shows the importance of the seafood industry and our commercial fishing culture,” said Vince. “People come here for the fresh seafood and to enjoy the bounty of our waters. They don’t come here for the Walmart or a movie theater.”
The prices for this year’s Oyster Roast aren’t set yet – they depend on the market price for the seafood. There’s an all-you-can-eat honor-system sliding scale; your average shucker pays a little less than the “heavy hitters” (you know who you are!) and a little more than the “little leaguers” (kids). Additional donations are gratefully received.
Patty says the Working Watermen’s Association does make money from this fundraising event, but it’s more about throwing a party.
“It’s our thank you to the community,” she said. “It’s mostly for fun.”
Everyone is also welcome to stop by the Watermen’s Exhibit at the Community Square for dessert and hot cider, starting at 3pm. Save some room for fig cake!
