Event Preview: First Annual Oyster Festival

The first annual Oyster Festival, sponsored by the Westhampton Kiwanis Club, is set to take center stage in Westhampton Beach on Saturday.

The event, according to Natalie Boyle, of the Kiwanis, will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Westhampton Beach Village Marina on Library Avenue.

The event, said Boyle, was created after Kiwanis members met with educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension and decided that a new event was needed to shine a spotlight on the area's waterways.

In keeping with that theme, the festival will feature food from the water and over 15 vendors whose goods have a focus on all things nautical, including a water fowl wood-carver and an artist that paints water scenes.

Boyle said Cornell Cooperative Extension will be on hand with a touch tank; Atlantis Marine World with have their shark truck, and the Coast Guard will be discussing water safety.

In addition, there will be rides for the kids, a pirate show and treasure hunt, live music, and a chowder contest.

"We are really positive about this event," said Boyle, who says that proceeds from the event will go towards Kiwanis projects, as well as to Cornell Cooperative Extension for oyster research.

Boyle could not say how many people she expects to attend the event, but said that she thinks it will be a big day, with people already coming to town for the Main Street sidewalk sale and the Westhampton Beach Chamber of Commerce's annual Fall Arts and Crafts show that is taking place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the village green and gazebo.

"We hope that people will come to town, enjoy all the events and stop in for dinner at one of the area restaurants," said Boyle.

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