Local
Oyster Festival opens in Norwalk
By
Sep 5, 2008 - 11:51:56 PM

Spider-man and other Marvel Super Heros to perform during special Family Day on Sunday, Spetember 7, at the 31st Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival

There is something for all ages among the diverse attractions during the Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival celebration of 31 years as one of the area’s most popular fall events. The presenting sponsor this year is Bridgestone/Town Fair Tire.

The NSA Oyster Festival opened on Friday, September 5, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event is held at Veteran’s Park but there is no public parking on the festival grounds. Information about free off-site parking locations and shuttle service to the festival can be found at www.seaport.org. The Oyster Festival transporation sponsor is First County Bank.

“Specials” will abound during the NEW Family Day on Sunday. Special live appearances by Spider-Man, Hulk, Storm and Green Goblin in the Marvel “Super Hero Search” Show at 2:00 p.m. will be the spotlight attraction. Following the 45-minute performance, the four Marvel Super Heroes will be available to sign autographs and for photo ops. There will be a special Family Day price for rides in Kids’ Cove -- $15.00 for unlimited rides between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday only. In addition, many non-profit organizations in the International Food Court will offer “Family Day Specials” on Sunday. Family Day at the NSA Oyster Festival will conclude with a special, dynamic performance by Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge (“We Are Family”) on the Main Stage at 6:00 p.m.

The Marvel “Super Hero Search” Show and all other entertainment are included in the special Family Day admission fee -- on Sunday ONLY one child ages 5-12 admitted free when accompanied by an adult with a general admission ticket. General admission tickets can be purchased at the gate ($12.00) or on-line (www.seaport.org), where discount passes and a $25.00 weekend pass (only on-line) will be available. Advance $10 general admission tickets can be purchased at many local banks and businesses.

Main Stage headline entertainment at 9:00 p.m. features Los Lonely Boys on Friday, September 5, and The Oak Ridge Boys on Saturday, September 6. In addition to internationally-known headline acts on the Main Stage, Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival entertainment will spotlight dozens of talented musicians from throughout the region, plus a “Beatlemania” show on Saturday afternoon. The fun also will include tours of the 81-foot long PT Boat 728 at the Oyster Festival docks, hundreds of quality artists and crafters, a special children’s activity area, recreation and leisure demonstrations, harbor cruises, environmental, maritime and other displays.

Festival-goers can purchase their tickets on-line (www.seaport.org), where discount passes and a $25.00 weekend pass (only on-line) are available. Advance $10 general admission tickets also can be purchased at many local banks and businesses. Admission prices at the gate are $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for senior citizens (62 and older) and $3.00 for children ages 5-12. Children younger than five enter free.

The daily entrance fee includes off-site parking, shuttle busses to and from the festival and entertainment on three stages at the NSA Oyster Festival.

The Norwalk Seaport Association organizes its annual Oyster Festival as a service to the community and as a way to raise funds for the preservation of the historic 140-year-old Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Proceeds also help underwrite interactive maritime education programs for children throughout the region at Sheffield Island and in the Seaport Association’s fourth floor loft at 132 Water Street in Norwalk.

The three-day festival, which attracts 50,000-60,000 attendees each year, also benefits numerous other local organizations. Since it began in 1977, the Norwalk Seaport Association has provided an opportunity for local nonprofit organizations to earn money for their programs and services by operating food booths at the Oyster Festival. The Seaport Association also helps youth groups by hiring them to work at the festival. Last year, nonprofit organizations raised $240,000 at the Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival.

The Norwalk Seaport Association, Inc., a nonprofit environmental, preservation and educational organization founded in 1978, is dedicated to promoting an appreciation for the region’s maritime and seafaring heritage through a variety of enjoyable and entertaining programs. The organization also owns and operates the vessel G.W. Tyler, which conveys visitors to Sheffield Island for tours of the lighthouse, special events and enjoyment of a walking trail through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge.

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