Just after the beginning of the North Carolina oyster season, two opportunities to shuck all you can eat are popping up around Wrightsville Beach and Wrightsville Sound.
The first is the annual Airlie Gardens Oyster Roast 6-10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, carrying on a yearly tradition on the grounds dating back to the days of the Joneses.
Janine Powell, Airlie Gardens director of donor relations, said there will be 700 tickets on sale this year and the number of attendees has steadily grown each year.
“It is a great annual tradition for Airlie and it is perfect weather for oysters now,” Powell said. “Do not wait until the last minute, though, because we will sell out and will not sell any tickets the night of the event.”
Tickets are $80 per person and include parking, oysters, and a buffet of fried fish, barbecue and sides. Chefs from downtown Wilmington’s The Pilot House restaurant will be on hand steaming the fresh oysters all evening.
Ticket sales will benefit Airlie Gardens’ environmental education programs.
The Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce will also host its second annual oyster roast fundraiser on Crystal Pier at the Oceanic Restaurant from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2.
Due to the inaugural event’s large crowd, chamber board member Sue Bulluck said ticket sales would be limited to 350 this year at $30 per person.
Ticket purchase includes all-you-can-eat oysters and sides like corn on the cob, hushpuppies and slaw. For those reluctant to feast on the estimated 40 bushels of fresh, local oysters, a boiled shrimp plate will also be available.
Bulluck said tickets would be available soon at Roberts Grocery.
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