Attracting more than four million visitors annually, Charleston’s historic appeal, family-friendly attractions, and Southern charm make it an ideal destination for a South Carolina vacation. History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Hunley, which is a museum dedicated to the H.L. Hunley, the world's first successful combat submarine that mysteriously sank in 1863. Those looking to immerse themselves in local cuisine should consider one of the Charleston Culinary Tours that leads participants on tasting tours of some of the city’s best restaurants.
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is one of the top food events in South Carolina, and it will take place January 28th at the Boone Hall Plantation. Patrons will find the world's largest oyster festival featuring more than 80,000 pounds of oysters. Returning this year will be the Oyster Shucking Contest, where participants shuck as many oysters as they can in a set period of time. Patrons looking for a little competitive fun should try the Oyster Eating Contest featuring contestants attempting to eat as many oysters as they can. Live music will be performed throughout the event on the Main Stage by a variety of local and regional musicians. If oysters are not your thing, the event will also have local restaurants serving a spectrum of meals and snacks, and attendees over 21 will be able to enjoy a wide selection of wines and beers. Families should make sure to stop the Children’s Area which features games, art projects, live entertainment, and more. The event is a charity fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House, Charleston County Schools-Science Material Resource Center, Hollings Cancer Center, and Shriners’ Hospitals for Children. We interviewed Event Representative, Charlotte Park, to learn more about this massive culinary celebration.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
CP: Named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeastern Tourism Society, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival will feature over 80,000 pounds of oysters, in addition to a variety of food options from local restaurants and food trucks.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
CP: The 2018 Lowcountry Oyster Festival is in its 35th year.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
CP: Last year, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival drew around 10,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
CP: The Lowcountry Oyster Festival brings both Charleston locals and visitors alike to Boone Hall Plantation, catering to families, couples, and children of all ages.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
CP: Event highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” contests, live music on the main stage, local wine and beer, and the Pluff-a-Pallooza Children’s Area.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
CP: Event attendees are free to attend the Lowcountry Oyster Festival anytime from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Jan. 28 to enjoy oysters, local beer, and wine, other cuisine options, live music, entertainment and fun in the sun at Boone Hall Plantation.
RAL: What will attendees find for activities?
CP: Children will have a blast at the festival’s Pluff-a-Pallooza Children’s Area, a celebration of the oyster’s natural habitat. Offerings include pluff mudd arts and crafts, cookie decorating with “pluff mudd frosting,” live theatre performances of “Pearlie the Amazing Oyster,” bubble therapy, face painting, and more. Various other organizations including The Bee Cause Project, Charleston Water Keeper, the Turtle Survival Alliance, and the Surfrider Foundation will also be onsite to share interesting environmental education with kids.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
CP: The Piedmont Boys will be performing on the main stage.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
CP: Local oysters, wine, beer and cuisine from local food trucks and vendors.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?
CP: It’s casual, laid back, fun, and friendly!
RAL: Our travelers seek out unique and boutique accommodations, where can they find these in your area?
CP: Charleston area visitors can look for lodging in Mount Pleasant or make the short drive to downtown, James Island, West Ashley, and Isle of Palms.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up for the event?
CP: Follow the link for lodging specials.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
CP: The annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival is one of Charleston’s most highly-anticipated events of the year, beloved among locals and visitors alike.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
CP: The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a charity fundraiser benefiting Ronald McDonald House, Charleston County Schools-Science Material Resource Center, Hollings Cancer Center and Shriners’ Hospitals for Children.
For more information about the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, please visit the event website.