The sixth annual Osoyoos Oyster Festival is returning next week. (Richard McGuire file photo)
An event designed to celebrate the end of winter and arrival of spring, while offering great food and good times is ready to roll once again next week as the sixth annual Osoyoos Oyster Festival returns.
The sixth annual festival will once again serve up dishes of delectable oysters, world-class B.C. craft beers, memorable Okanagan wines, while celebrating the end of a very long winter and arrival of warmer and sunnier days ahead, said Kelly Glazer, executive director of Destination Osoyoos, which is once again in charge of organizing and marketing the festival.
“We saw the Osoyoos Oyster Festival as an opportunity to offer a destination event during the off season to celebrate the end of winter and arrival of spring, while offering great food and showcasing our wonderful community here in Osoyoos by offering something totally unique and a little bit different,” said Glazer. “Things took off right away and it’s hard to believe this will already be our sixth event.”
The majority of people attending the Osoyoos Oyster Festival make the trip from out of town, but there are a few locals who also like to take in the numerous events that take place between next Wednesday and Sunday, she said.
The Osoyoos Fire Department will once again be holding its annual fundraising Oyster Feed on Saturday, April 22 and another sell out at the Osoyoos International Curling Club is expected with more than 400 tickets already sold.
The Osoyoos Oyster Festival has garnered a lot of attention across B.C. and a strong contingent of media personalities from Vancouver are expected once again to participate and promote the event, she said.
The festival offers the perfect opportunity to dive into spring with outstanding dining experiences, tastings of oysters from around the world, and glasses brimming with award-winning South Okanagan wines, ciders, beers and spirits, said Glazer.
A variety of oysters will be featured throughout the festival, supplied by Kelowna’s Codfathers Seafood Market, Nova Scotia’s Sober Island Oyster Farm, Effingham Oyster and more.
The five-day line-up consists of three big parties organized by Destination Osoyoos and five partner events, with plenty of time in between to explore the area.
Returning to the festival this year is special guest Patrick McMurray, also known as “Shucker Paddy.” McMurray is a former World Champion Oyster Shucker and owner of The Ceili Cottage Restaurant in Toronto. He’ll be shucking fresh oysters at events throughout the festival. Trevor and Michelle Munroe from Nova Scotia’s Sober Island Oyster Farm, along with their children, will be shucking east coast oysters at all three signature events.
Many Osoyoos hotels and resorts will be offering special weekend rates for the duration of the festival, as well as “Stay and Savour” packages starting at $569 per couple (includes two nights’ accommodation and tickets to Oyster Festival events). Shuttle service, departing from set Osoyoos-based locations, is available during the following Oyster Festival events: Beach BBQ & Brews, Deep Sea Garden Party and Art of the Pearl Gala.
For more information about the accommodation packages or the events listed below, please visit: destinationosoyoos.com/osoyoos-oyster-festival.
Here is a list of Osoyoos Oyster Festival events,
- Beach BBQ & Brews at Watermark Beach Resort, Friday, April 21 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75. This new event will feature a BBQ-style buffet of seafood and traditional barbecue fare, paired with generous pours of the South Okanagan’s best brews, craft ciders and a signature Canadian Whiskey cocktail. The BBQs will be manned by the following Chefs: Jeff Van Geest of Miradoro; Natasha Schooten from Walnut Beach Resort; Adair Scott from Watermark Beach Resort; and Trevor Munroe of Sober Island Oysters. Tickets available online.
– Deep Sea Garden Party at Walnut Beach Resort, April 22 beginning at 1 p.m.Tickets are . $60. Children under 10, admitted free with an adult; kids 11-18, $25
This afternoon event is held outside on the lawn of Walnut Beach Resort. Guests will sample culinary delights from both land and sea, and sip exceptional wine and beer from local wineries and craft breweries. New this year is the introduction of The Garden Market, with local vendors offering samples, as well as products for sale. A kid’s zone will offer activities and educational items to make this event family-friendly. Tickets available online.
– Art of the Pearl Gala at Spirit Ridge Resort, April 22 beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $95. This fun, social, grazing soirée is inspired by the ocean and its bounty. Guests will enjoy incredible oyster creations served up by local chefs, along with freshly shucked oysters, and charcuterie offerings, paired with wine samples from the area’s award-winning wineries. More than 10 Okanagan restaurants are participating in this event, including: Mica Restaurant; Liquidity Bistro; Nk’Mip Cellars; The Paisley Notebook; Bonfire Restaurant; Sonora Room; Greenside Grill; Walnut Beach Resort; and Jojo’s Café. Tickets available online.
– Long Table Dinner at Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek Winery on Wednesday, April 19 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $39. Enjoy a special evening, starting with freshly shucked oysters, followed by a three-course dinner dedicated to the oyster. Call 250.498.3742 for tickets.
– Under the Tuscan Sea at Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek, April 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45. Terrafina at Hester Creek Estate Winery invites guests to sample pizza and oysters paired with spring releases from Hester Creek, along with tastings from the winery’s “bubbly” neighbours. Call 250-498-2229 for tickets.
-Whiskey & Oysters at Sol in the Holiday Inn on Friday, April 21 from 4 – 6 p.m. Tickets are $65. A great opportunity to try fresh oysters hand-selected by Codfathers Seafood Market, alongside various whiskeys, all while overlooking Osoyoos Lake in the Sol Grill Room & Lounge. With special guest Patrick McMurray (“Shucker Paddy”) in attendance. Call 250-495-7223 for tickets.
– Amateur Shuck ‘n Suck Competition at the Sage Pub on Saturday, April 22 starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per team. Maximum of 15 teams, so be sure to register early. Call 250-495-2322 for tickets.
– Brunch Buffet at Mica Restaurant at Spirit Ridge Resort Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tickets are $30. Wrap up the weekend by enjoying a delicious brunch buffet, while taking in views of Osoyoos Lake and the rolling countryside. Includes a complimentary mimosa or Caesar. Call 250-495-8007 for reservations.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
