Why 20,000 People Flock to Wellfleet for Oysters Every Fall | Eater Boston

"A raucous, two-day celebration in mid-October, this festival drew 20,000 people to downtown Wellfleet for just-harvested oysters, a professional shucking competition (Chris Manocchio of Toronto defended his title by shucking 24 oysters in one minute and 51 seconds), live music, oyster chowder, lobster nachos, Sam Adams oyster stouts, and plenty of shucking-pun gear. What makes it special is that all the oysters come from the same town, with over one hundred independently owned farms producing them, and downtown transforms into a sprawling market with tables for local charities and crafters alongside the food and beer. As a first-timer tasting around on Saturday, I noticed dramatic differences from stand to stand even at identical prices ($3 for one, $16 for half a dozen, $36 for a dozen) and the same classic accoutrements of lemon, mignonette, and cocktail sauce. Tickets were capped at 10,000 per day, and beyond the party, the direct off-season sales are big revenue for the small companies, turning the weekend into a true celebration of the farmers who power Wellfleet’s oyster culture." - Cathy Erway