Arts & Entertainment

Blissful Sunshine Predicted for Norwalk's 36th Oyster Festival

With 40,000 expected to attend from Friday, Sept. 6th through Sunday, Sept. 8th, there's something for everyone: live bands, rides, games, lumberjack axe demos, BMX stunt shows, circus acts, crepes, BBQ, pizza and even fried cheese curds!

Written by Leslie Yager

Excitement was brewing over on Wednesday morning in Veteran's Park as trucks zipped in and out unloading everything from jumbo tents to carnival rides. 

Unlike last year when heavy rain marred the festivities, this weekend's forecast is stellar. 

Patch had a chance to speak to Jerry Toni, the festival chair about the weekend's highlights. Toni, who said the event's main stage has been moved to be closer to the water this year, said the festival promises something for everyone. That may be an understatement.

"There is live entertainment including the Village People, local and regional bands performing on two stages. For young children and teens there is the Kids Cove, rides, circus acts and even a return of the Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack Show," said Toni, who explained that the lumber jacks do axe demonstrations and log rolling. 

"There will be a BMX stunt show with ramps and jumps and a whole bunch of food at the international food court, with everything from fancy crepes, to barbecue, pizza, seafood and chowder," said Toni. " And there's also a craft beer tasting tent with between 20-25 types of beers." 

If that wasn't enough to choose from, Toni added that there will be "a guy from Wisconsin with fried cheese curds this year." 
 
Still, this is only a partial list of the weekend's happenings. For even more details including schedule of bands, parking and shuttle bus details, ticket pricing and information, check out the festival website.

Local and state officials who gathered Wednesday for the ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off the event included Norwalk Mayor Moccia, State Senator Bob Duff (Norwalk, Darien), State Rep. Gail Lavielle (Norwalk, Westport and Wilton) State Senator Toni Boucher (Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton), State Rep. Chris Perone (Norwalk), and State Rep. Bruce Morris (Norwalk). 

Also on hand were Rey Giallongo First County Bank (festival sponsors) Chairman and CEO and representatives of the Norwalk Seaport Association, Jerry Toni and Irene Dixon.

Fabulous weather is on the horizon for the three-day event in Norwalk - thank you National Weather Service for this:

  • Friday's sunny high 77°
  • Saturday sunny high 77°
  • Sunday partly sunny with a high of 79°
Festival Hours:
Friday, Sept 6th, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday, Sept 7th, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday, Sept 8th, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm


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