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Wrightsville Beach
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Oysters and politics mix for chamber roast 

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More than 250 people braved the chilly November air Sunday, Nov. 2, for a taste of fresh oysters and politics at the second annual Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce oyster roast.

Held in the outdoor dining section of the Oceanic Restaurant on Crystal Pier, the event served as a last-minute chance for members of the public to interact with candidates running for political seats in the Nov. 4 election.

Candidates present at the roast included N.C. Representative Ted Davis Jr., R-New Hanover; Dr. Derick Hickey; Rob Zapple and Melinda Crouch. U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre also made an appearance at Sunday evening’s roast during the final days of his tenure serving as congressman.

Nicolas Montoya, chamber board member and Blockade Runner Beach Resort general manager, said the setting provides a personal way for voters to interact with candidates.

“We always want to keep this date of the Sunday before November elections because it provides one more opportunity for locals to interact with candidates in a more causal atmosphere,” Montoya said.

While politics served as a side attraction, the 40 steaming bushels of Stump Sound oysters were the main course for many in attendance.

Chamber board member John Andrews said the warm fall delayed oyster season and pushed the price up for local oysters.

“We had the option to buy out-of-state oysters at a discount or pay a premium for Stump Sound oysters and we knew the people who came tonight would appreciate choosing local,” Andrews said.

In addition to buying local, Oceanic Restaurant general manager Adele McMurtrey said the oyster shells would be recycled locally.

Chamber board member Sue Bulluck attributed the slightly lower attendance than last year’s roast to the chilly temperatures and the fact that none of the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen seats were up for election. However, Bulluck said the chamber was able to raise vital funds to continue refurbishing the visitors center in the historic Howell Cottage, complete the chamber’s website and contribute to downtown Wrightsville Beach beautification efforts.

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