OYSTER SHUCKING CONTEST- Another longtime favorite event is the State oyster Shucking Contest. Held each year, professional shuckers (did you know there was such a thing?)  from around the Commonwealth vie to win the State Championship. The winner here goes on to St. Mary's , Maryland to compete in the National Championship. If you win there, you are headed off to Ireland to compete in the World Championship. Urbanna is fortunate to claim the World Championship on a few different occasions.

Now tell me, who doesn't like oysters? To honor these scrumptious bi-valves, since 1958, Urbanna has played host to the Urbanna Oyster Festival. Urbanna has become the official oyster festival of the Commonwealth of Virginia---by action of the General Assembly of Virginia.  This festival, whether rain or shine, attracts over 80,000 people over the frst weekend in November.  You can't miss the parade, the highlight of the festival. It is lead by the Grand Marshall and features the Oyster Festival Queen and a host of other characters. The winner and runner up each recieve a college schlorship--thanks to your participation. So put on a sweater,  grab a few of your best friends and family members and make a day of it. Oh, and by the way, we'll  even shuck the oysters for you!!

Food , Arts and Crafts---it's all here at the Oyster Festival. Smoked turkey, hot dogs, hamburgers, roast beef, ham biscuits, cotten candy and more. While there's plenty of oysters and other seafood items, we haven't forgotten the land lovers. You won't leave hungry.

While you're here, you can enjoy and unending variety of crafts from the local merchants. Hand made furniture, stained glass, wood carvings, sculpture, pottery, dolls, brass, silver, leather goods and jewlery. The stores are small but the owners are friendly. Visit Bristows and stay as long as you desire.