Video by Rory Kelleher, story by Joy Crist
Despite being canceled for the past two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s (NCCF) annual Hatteras Island Oyster Roast was another big success, with tickets selling out well before the February 4 event date.
“The tickets always sell very fast, but I was surprised that this year, it was sold out within a day,” said Barbara DelVillar, NCCF Advisory Committee Member. “But this is always a popular event, and we’re glad that so many people come every year.”
NCCF hosts the oyster roast, which was first launched in 2014 as an event that celebrates local seafood and a healthy coast while supporting environmental restoration. Proceeds from the event benefit the NCCF’s oyster education and restoration programs, and participation from multiple community members and businesses boost the annual donations even more.
This year’s event had more than 50 items donated to the silent auction, and live music on the edge of Oden’s Dock was provided by Hatteras Island’s own Carolina Sweaters.
A team of volunteers headed by Parc Greene of Risky Business Seafood tackled the lengthy food preparation, and 55 bushels of oysters from Newport River and Carteret County were roasted and divvied up among the crowd in continuous cycles.
While temperatures hovered in the mid-30s all day long, the atmosphere at the edge of Oden’s Dock in Hatteras Village was happy and lively, with a mix of local residents and visitors feasting throughout the afternoon. Though the exact amount raised at this year’s event is not yet available, the high attendance and hefty donations on-site suggest that 2023’s Oyster Roast may be one of the most successful yet.
For more information on the NCCF and the annual Oyster Roast, which is held every February, click here.
