by Tom Chillemi –
Mention the Town of Urbanna to someone, when traveling far or wide, and their response is likely to be “the Oyster Festival.”
The area’s premier annual autumn festival and the “Official Virginia State Oyster Festival” returns to the streets of Urbanna for the 62nd time this Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2.
Since 1957, visitors have flocked to this tiny town of about 500 residents for the good times that come with the festival.
Again, this year’s lineup is second to none. Live music on three stages, two parades, food, food and more food to please every taste, including the venerable oyster prepared any way you like, from raw to stewed and even in an oyster fritter. That’s right, after a year’s absence, the Middlesex Lions Club will be back with its famous oyster fritter. You won’t have trouble finding them on Virginia Street, just look for a line of hungry people.
History comes alive at the waterfront at the Urbanna Town Marina. Festival-goers are welcome to board the historic boats “Edna E. Lockwood” from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, “Claud W. Somers” from the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, and “Mildred Belle” from the Living Classrooms Foundation.
Edna E. Lockwood is the last of the historic sailing log bugeyes. Built in 1889 when the oyster industry was booming, the Edna E. Lockwood worked as an oyster dredge from 1889 to 1967.
Visit the historic encampment of the Colonial Seaport Foundation and watch as costumed historical interpreters bring the history of the tobacco port town of Urbanna to life.
There will be a car show, wine tasting, craft beers, the official Virginia Oyster Shucking contest and much more.
Everything you need to know to make your festival more fun is in the special Oyster Festival section inside this issue of the Southside Sentinel.
Come early, stay late. Wear your walking shoes. There’s a lot to see and do at the Oyster Festival, and it only happens once a year and only in Urbanna.
