Visit us at OysterFest – October 19/20, 2024
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Visit us at OysterFest – October 19/20, 2024
Every October, the small town of Wellfleet transforms into a bustling hub of oyster enthusiasts for the annual Wellfleet OysterFest. The highlight of this two-day event is the Oyster Shuck-Off, where local shuckers battle it out for “bragging rights and bi-valve glory,” as Cape Cod Times host Eric Williams puts it. In 2009, the festival was no exception, despite the downpour that limited attendance to locals. But for Wellfleet’s oyster lovers, rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the day.
Among the competitors was the legendary Barbara Austin, a two-time champion and the only woman in the finals that year. Barbara’s shucking prowess developed from necessity—shucking five barrels a day (about 2,000 oysters) to support her family when times were tough. This hard-earned speed carried her to the finals, where she was paired against her son, Clint Austin, who now owns Pirate Shellfish. The competition was fierce, with penalties for broken shells, incomplete separations, and even grit or blood contaminations.
But the real crowd favorite was William “Chopper” Young, a Wellfleet native and world-renowned oyster shucker. Chopper had recently won the 2008 International Oyster Opening Championship in Galway, Ireland, earning international recognition and bringing his $9,000 winnings back to Wellfleet. Known for his precision and flair, Chopper’s unique approach to shucking Irish oysters set him apart as a global champion.
As the rain poured, Chopper and James Gray, another local shucker, squared off in the final round. Chopper, with his signature modified knife and confident flair, made quick work of his oysters, neatly arranging them for the 10-second bonus for presentation. Gray, the previous year’s champion, was no match for Chopper’s speed and precision. In the end, Chopper won the Shuck-Off once again, cementing his reputation as Wellfleet’s—and the world’s—best oyster shucker.
As Chopper celebrated his victory, he thanked the die-hard fans who braved the rain, declaring, “I did it for you.” For the locals of Wellfleet, this rainy, raw day was just another chapter in the town’s rich oyster-shucking history—a testament to the skill, tradition, and love for oysters that define this Cape Cod community.