Shelton Tutors

About Shelton

Oysters take the spotlight at the annual OysterFest in Shelton, Washington, held the first full weekend in October on the former runway of Port of Shelton Sanderson Field. Sponsored by the Shelton Skookum Rotary Club Foundation, the state’s official seafood festival draws thousands of visitors from all over the state and beyond.

The highlight of the festival? Food, of course! About a hundred food items show up on the menu every year. Not surprising, the majority are based on oysters. If there is a way to prepare fresh oysters, the vendors have it covered. Selections include BBQ oysters, oyster shooters, oysters Rockefeller, oyster fritters, oyster stew, oyster on the half shell, bacon-wrapped scallops or oysters, clam chowder, crab and shrimp cocktail, coconut prawn, fireman’s chili, shrimp and lobster rolls, baked salmon, geoduck fritters, garlic shrimp, spring rolls, deep-fried mushrooms, and fresh cider. There is also a wine tent featuring Washington wines and a microbrew area.

The festival offers plenty of entertainment as well. Four stages, one just for kids, highlight talented bands and vocal groups. There are also games and rides just for kids, an art contest, and a seafood cook-off with cash prizes. But the biggest attention-getter is the shucking championships. On day one of the festival, participants shuck twenty-four oysters as fast as they can, sometimes in under two minutes. It’s almost as if some of the contestants received oyster-shucking tutoring in Shelton! On the second day, speed is still a factor, but presentation is also important. Contestants again shuck twenty-four oysters, but this time they must place each oyster on its back into the half shell. Points are deducted for pieces of shell or cuts in the oyster itself. About 500 dozen oysters, all donated, are used for the contest, with the shucked oysters from each heat shared with the audience after judging.

While it’s mostly about food and fun, there is also a serious side to the festival. Festival goers will also learn plenty about tidal areas, stewardship of marine resources, water quality, aquaculture, natural resources, and public safety at the educational booths. There is also a photography and art show.

The OysterFest is a non-commercial, non-political event, and all vendors and exhibitors are non-profit organizations that operate in Mason County, Washington. No political or commercial booths are allowed. Most visitors find this refreshing. Proceeds fund local community improvement projects and scholarships, many of which are based on academic strength. Students who implement tutoring in Shelton definitely have the advantage when applying to these and can thank the Shelton OysterFest for supporting education in Shelton!