Thursday, November 5, 2009

Sigh...

Today, I am on the Bay... And the only problem I foresee? I HATE oysters. Well. Gah.

Welcome to the 52nd Anniversary of the Urbanna Oyster Festival!

We are pleased and proud to carry on this wonderful tradition begun by a dozen or so local merchants and "town fathers" in 1957. Originally called "Urbanna Days," the festival was established to promote the town and it's economy. In those first years the event was a relatively small gathering of local folks highlighted by a parade comprised primarily of antique cars.

In 1961 the name was officially changed to the "Urbanna Oyster Festival" in recognition and honor of the succulent bivalve that was such an important part of the local economy. The crowning of a Queen and "Little Miss Spat" (a "spat" is a baby oyster) along with the selection of a grand marshal to honor local or state individuals held in high esteem became an important part of the tradition.

In 1986 the prestigious Friday night Fireman's Parade began a truly exhilarating experience. In 1988, the General Assembly of Virginia designated the festival as the official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth. In 1991, the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation was established to produce and manage the annual festival.

The festival has grown and so have the crowds. Crowds for the two-day event now number nearly 75,000. Food and craft booths number over 125 and the Fireman's Parade features over 80 engines of every size and description. The Oyster Festival Parade on Saturday features over 80 units including numerous marching bands, antique cars, locally produced floats and the renowned Khedive Temple Shrine Club of Norfolk.

In this, our 52nd year, it is appropriate that we honor our local merchants. We encourage you to visit our shops, stores and restaurants and to utilize our services while you enjoy the fun and family traditions of the Urbanna Oyster Festival.

The 52nd Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival is sponsored by the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation, a non-profit organization, which was established in 1991. The Foundation would like to thank the volunteer committees and all of the interested citizens who contributed their time and enthusiasm to this important community project. We also greatly appreciate the cooperation of the town council, the mayor, the town administrator and staff and the many fine residents of Urbanna who open their town for this wonderful event. If you participated in any small way, you are responsible for the success we enjoy during this Oyster Festival

Friday, November 6, 2009

Festival...................................................................... 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Queen & Spat Crowning – Festival Stage.......................... 4:00 p.m.
Fireman’s Parade........................................................... 7:00 p.m.
Special Entertainment behind the fire house..................... 8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 6, 2009, the Town of Urbanna will be Closed to All Vehicle Traffic from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM for the Fireman’s Parade. During this time, movement of traffic within the town will be limited.

18 comments:

Shelley Jaffe said...

Please take and post pictures at the Spat Crowning - I still don't believe it doesn't have something to do with a stage of labour. You know, once one's dilated 10 centimeters...

imbeingheldhostage said...

Anything for a party... even oysters. Call me, I'm there! Besides, do you realize how many FIREMEN can fit on 80 Fire Engines?! Yummy.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

take a PB&J and have tons of fun and of course take tons of pics :)

Jo Whitehurst said...

We know it's not the oysters you go for...it's the time with special friends! Enjoy!

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Never fear, MPM. They have BBQ, turkey legs, burgers, dogs, chicken, fried oreos and pickled pigs feet.

Well, if they don't have pickled pigs feet, the local grocery store does.

See you later today.

I Am Woody said...

Have a fantastic time!!

T said...

SO bummed I had to miss this! Lots of yummy pics please (and I don't mean food! lol!)

imom said...

Have a great time!

Daryl said...

Have a few glasses of wine .... and we want pix!!!!

Meg McCormick said...

Yes indeed, a succulent bivalve fest. If I were there, you and I could go searching for alternative fare... the oyster is not one of my favorite bivalves.

Have a great time - wish I was there. Slip something yummy in your Blogfest sippy cup.

Snooty Primadona said...

I should be there instead of you because I adore oysters, any way I can get 'em!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Well you dont like camping either!
But we're gonna have fun anyway!
See you soon!
<><

Keetha said...

The Spat Crowning! My word! Take photos, please. Lots of them.

Oh, and have a big time, oysters or no.

Delora said...

Little Miss Spat! LOL

Decadent Housewife said...

Yeah, I'm not an oyster girl either. But think of all those cute Firemen!

Deb said...

I'm indifferent to oysters, but you will have your option on other gastronomical choices!
What is Spat Crowning? Maybe I don't want to know!!

abb said...

And the only downside??? All the rest of us aren't there with you!

I want lots of pics and stories!

mom x 2 said...

Well, I understand it's not really about the oysters. Its all about the firemen.... I am going to miss that :( but I'll see you Saturday....