2nd Annual Shuck Hatteras Festival attracts more than 1,000 oyster fans

December 19, 2023 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

60 bushels of oysters were roasted for a hungry crowd at the Shuck Hatteras Festival. Photo by Joy Crist.

Despite an imminent coastal storm and an off-season timeframe, the second annual Shuck Hatteras Festival, held on December 15-16, was arguably one of the biggest events of the year, with hundreds of people flocking to the Tri-villages to shuck away the day.

Shucking away at the all-you-can-eat oyster roast. Photo by Joy Crist.

Framed around the Outer Banks’ love of oysters, but featuring many corresponding events including live music, an artists’ market, fundraising initiatives, and a cook-off competition, Shuck Hatteras attracted more than 1,000 attendees throughout the two-day festivities, per event organizers.

Shuck Hatteras is the brainchild of Barry Wells, who initially launched the festival in 2022 as a fun event for residents and visitors during a time of year when Hatteras Island is traditionally dormant.

“I was very impressed with the response and positive feedback from last year’s inaugural event, especially with having only one month to organize everything,” said Wells in an earlier interview. “However, I think when I created the idea, I always envisioned manifesting it into a new yearly tradition for Hatteras Island, and for all of the Outer Banks, really.

“This [event] is for all the in-season hardworking locals to kick back and enjoy.”

With more time to plan in 2023, and lessons learned from last year’s inaugural event, Shuck Hatteras was bigger in multiple ways in 2023.

Held at the expansive Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort in Rodanthe, the festival officially kicked off with a launch party on Friday evening, but Saturday’s full afternoon and evening schedule of activities drew in the major crowds.

Live music was performed throughout the day and night by multiple local and visiting bands, including Zack Mexico, Howell & Caswell, Anchor Blazer, The Carolina Sweaters, Hot Sauce, and Loose Wheel.

A pan of oysters is delivered to a hungry table. Photo by Joy Crist.

A Merry Muse Market was available throughout the afternoon, with more than 20 vendors, and the day featured a number of activities for attendees of all ages, including Yoga with Ms. Belinda, a coloring contest, and the first-ever “Sprint for Spat” race. During this not-too-grueling athletic event, runners and walkers downed an oyster shooter while tackling a 328-foot-long course, earning a 000.10K decal in the process as proof of their achievement.

Like last year, one of the biggest attractions of the day was the all-you-can-eat oyster roast, with proceeds benefitting the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station and Historic Site in Rodanthe.

60 bushels of oysters were roasted and rapidly served to hundreds of hungry attendees, thanks to a busy crew of volunteers, which included Ronnie Jarvis, Taylor Jarvis, Brian Phillips, Eric Anglin, and many more

“They had a bunch of other [volunteers] jump in throughout the day for sure, too,” said Wells. “It truly takes a village.”

A competitor in the Oyster Cook-off Challenge. Photo by Joy Crist,

Another highlight was the annual Oyster Cook-off Challenge, which featured oysters from individuals and businesses throughout the Outer Banks, and awarded prizes to the following competitors:

Cousin’s Oysters – Best Tasting Award
Inn on Pamlico Sound’s Café Pamlico – Most Creative Award
Waves Market and Deli – People’s Choice Award

Santa Claus also made a special pre-Christmas appearance, arriving on the Chicamacomico Banks Volunteer Fire Department truck to hand out candy canes and hear Christmas wish lists from dozens of young attendees.

By the end of Saturday, with hundreds of people lingering long after dark to chat with friends and enjoy the live music, everyone connected to the Shuck Hatteras Festival agreed that this year was bigger and even better than the last.

Best of all, while total donations and oyster roast ticket sales are still being tallied, event organizers estimate that the 2023 Shuck Hatteras Festival raised more than $5,000 for the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, and is undergoing an extensive renovation.

“You’ll always notice things you can do better… But was this year easier and better than last year? I think so, yes,” said John Griffin, Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Executive Director, at Saturday’s event. “There were some new events that we added that were very popular – like the Sprint for Spat race – and I think next year will be even better.”

With a schedule that included more than a dozen interconnecting events, and a crowd of more than 1,000 people in the middle of December, it’s hard to see how Shuck Hatteras can grow in the years ahead. However, with another successful event in the rearview, organizers are already plotting next year’s Shuck Hatteras, hoping to keep the momentum going strong.

“As we bask in the aftermath, now that we’ve had time to reflect on the beautiful gathering and turn the page to brainstorming [on] how to make it even better for next year, I’ve got just one question,” said Wells. “Are you down to shuck?”