Fun for families and friends from nine to ninety, the 39th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11. This year’s entertainment highlights include music from nationally known-bands including Sawyer Fredericks at 4 p.m. and Funky dawgz Brass Band at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Festival goers will enjoy a wide variety of rides, cooking competitions, arts and crafts and a diverse assortment of attractions and entertainment that promise unforgettable fun.
A festival favorite will feature the action packed Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show that will feature world champion lumberjacks demonstrating their log rolling, axe throwing, chopping, sawing, tree climbing and dragster chainsaw skills. This show will take place on Saturday and Sunday. There is also a 65 – ft Gondola Ferris wheel, the Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show, and more.
The New England Seaport Village offers demonstrations, samples and displays and, the International Food Court offers a diverse selection of dining choices to add to the fun. Harbor tours are a highlight of this event.
For the Kids
The festival’s Kids Cove will wow children of all ages. The Kids’ Cove includes games, rides and entertainment. Sunday is Family Day with special family and children’s packages for entrance, rides and meals. The perk of family day on Sunday is that one child under 12 gets in free with each adult paid admission and for a mere $15 can ride all the amusement rides free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To round out the family fun there will be special live shows for kids on the festival’s main stage plus kids’ specials at many of the food booths.
For the Whole Family
The festival offers a wide array of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including continuous entertainment by local musicians and national acts. A multitude of fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets and ages. For on the water fun, head to the festival docks to tour historic vessels and to cruise the scenic and historic Norwalk Harbor.
Food demonstrations and competitions, including the always-popular chowder and chili cook-offs will take place throughout the festival. A highlight of the Festival is the wide variety of great food from around the world that is available at the International Food Court. This culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise vital funds for their charitable causes. At the Oyster Pavilion, learn about Norwalk’s oystering history while watching slurping and shucking contests. The celebrity Slurpoff will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. in front of Oyster Pavilion.
The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Sunday is Family Day with special pricing on that day only — 1 child (age 5-12) free with each paid adult admission. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.seaport.org. Free Parking and Free Shuttle Bus service is provided from four (4) local parking lots, just follow the signs to Oyster Festival Parking. Festival hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Save on Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Oyster Festival Tickets
Festival goers can save on admission and rail fare when they purchase the Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival discount package. Packages are available at all ticket offices and ticket machines (except South Norwalk Station). On sale starting July 15. Package price from GCT/Harlem-125th Street: Adults, $27; Seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals receiving Medicare, $21; Children 12, $22; Children 5-11, $5; Children under 5, free. There is also other pricing from other stations. For more information visit Metro North online.
For additional area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com
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