The 34th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year from Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11. The event promises fun and enjoyment for everyone from nine to ninety with music from nationally known-bands, Soul Asylum, Fuel and Silverado, other entertainment and attractions, rides, cooking competitions, arts and crafts and much more. The festival helps fulfill the Norwalk Seaport Association’s mission of celebrating and raising public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime heritage. First County Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s festival.
The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old are $3. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Tickets can be purchased at www.seaport.org.
For the Kids
Children of all ages will be wowed and amused at the Norwalk Seaport Association’s Oyster Festival. Attractions include Pirates Coast Adventure where kids can meet real life pirates and look for booty in treasure hunts, hear storytelling and join in other fun-filled activities. The Kids' Cove includes games, rides and entertainment. A world-renowned sand sculptor will exhibit his talents with help from the kids. In addition, there will be an action-packed performance by Marvel Super Heroes. Sunday is Family Day with special family and children’s packages for entrance, rides and meals.
For the Whole Family
The festival offers a wide array of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including continuous entertainment by local musicians and national acts. The Go Greener Pavilion features hands-on demonstrations and displays with an environmental theme. Action sports and high energy combine in BMX and Motorcross Stunt Shows sponsored by f’real. Fine artists and crafters display creative and practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets and ages.
Other Highlights
The BBQ Pit, endorsed by the New England Barbeque Society and the Kansas City Barbeque Society, offers finger-lickin’ good food, demonstrations and competitions, including the always-popular chowder and chili cook-offs. More great food from around the world is available at the International Food Court. This culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise vital funds for their charitable causes. At the Oyster Pavilion, learn about Norwalk’s oystering history while watching slurping and shucking contests.
About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage. The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival and do not receive funding or discount services from the City of Norwalk or any other municipality. In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. The organization also offers special events, maritime education programs and habitat restoration projects with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information, visit www.seaport.org or call (203) 838-9444.
