The bounties of the sea will be plentiful during Kiwanis Club of Greater Westhampton Beach’s 6th Annual Westhampton Beach Oyster Festival at the Village Marina in Westhampton Beach.
Taking place on Saturday, October 7, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the all-day holiday weekend happening will offer something to excite and tantalize the taste buds of all ages. From exceptional seafood to local sips to thrilling programming, this family friendly benefit is a Columbus Day weekend Hamptons no-brainer.
“The Chowder Contest is a fan favorite because it’s a great way to try six chowders from some of the best chowders in the Hamptons,” shared Greg Menegio of Kiwanis Club of Greater Westhampton. “We have Cowfish this year, which is real fan favorite food vendor. We have Shuckers and we have a couple of vendors that are doing raw oysters and clams on the half shell, which are so popular.” Sydney’s Taylor-Made Cuisine, Shuckers Lobster & Clam Bar, Cowfish/Rumba, and Justin’s Chophouse will battle it out for the New England Clam Chowder Contest top honors. The Traveling Oyster Company, New Moon Cafe, Mister Softee, and Hampton Coffee Company will also provide irresistible bites.
If seafood really isn’t your thing, don’t worry, you won’t leave famished. “We even have BBQ for people that don’t really want the seafood,” Menegio noted.
At 12 p.m., little ones can get ready to greet the Kings of the Coast with yo ho ho! as they present the first of three Pirate Shows. Additional shenanigans from the boisterous squad of rascals will take place at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., and the talented Jester Jim will perform at 3 p.m. Kids can also keep busy with treasure hunts, sword-fighting lessons, bounce houses, an obstacle course, face painting, pumpkin painting, and more.
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Cowfish is among Chowder Contest competitors. (Photo: www.facebook.com) |
“We have tables, people can just sit down and enjoy the afternoon, have a great meal, have some drinks, listen to some bands, have their kids go have fun, and it’s a really great family setting,” Menegio explained.
A The Moriches Bay Project Oyster Shucking Contest, open to professional and amateurs, will commence at 2:30 p.m. and Next Level Band (at 12 p.m.) and Yankee Rebel (at 3:30 p.m.) will provide the afternoon’s live music.
“I think the setting – that it’s right on the water – sets it apart,” Menegio added. “We have great bands. The entire field is fenced in so it gives parents a little more comfort to let their kids go play on the bounce houses, watch Jester Jim or a pirates show and they don’t have to worry about the kids just wandering off.”
Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person or $20 per family, with proceeds benefiting programs serving children and families sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Westhampton, which serves the communities of Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, Quiogue, Quogue, Remsemburg, Speonk, East Moriches, East Quogue and Eastport.
The rain date is Sunday, October 8.
Village Marina is located on Library Avenue in Westhampton. For more information, visit www.whboysterfest.com or whkiwanis.org.
