The 27th annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival held Sunday at Boone Hall Plantation brought out over 11,000 people looking to suck down some tasty Texas Bay oysters. The event is run by volunteers and all proceeds go to three local charities - The Ronald McDonald House, Hollings Cancer Center and the Charleston Science Materials Resource Center.
The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association hosts the annual event that is touted as the world's largest oyster roast and has been named one of the 'top 20 events in the southeast' by the Southeastern Tourism Society. More than 65,000 pounds of oysters were steamed and shucked throughout the day on the back lawn of the plantation. In addition, volunteers from the Coastal Conservation Association were on hand to collect the empty shells to recycle back into South Carolina waters. Armed with a trained eye, a trash picker and a recycling tub, the volunteers went from table to table collecting the shells and separating out the garbage. By the end of the day, attendees had gotten the hang of it.
Highlights of the day included the legendary 'Oyster Shucking' and 'Oyster Eating' contests, live music from Dave Landeo and special guests on the main stage, a selection of domestic and imported beers and a Kids Corner complete with pony rides and jump castles.