Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism is joining with Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate to present the Newport News Oyster Roast at City Center on October 23, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The event will feature music by Ammons’ All Stars and The Tiki Bar Band, local seafood, a variety of beverages, games, give-a-ways, and free children’s activities.
Harpoon Larry’s Fish and Oyster Bar in Newport News has partnered with the event organizers to provide a variety of premiere raw and roasted oysters and other signature Harpoon Larry’s dishes. Their chef, Tyler Johnston, will be on site to demonstrate how to prepare fresh oyster stew, offer samples of the specialty and pass out oyster stew recipe cards to guests. A variety of food vendors will also sell seafood and non-seafood items. Beverage sales will benefit the Warwick Ruritan Club. Tasting tickets will be sold on site for beer (craft, domestic, and imported) and bourbon tastings. Individual tickets may also be purchased for the beer, wine and bourbon.
The evening’s activities include lawn games (corn hole and giant pong) and a natural pearl give-a-way donated by Hauser’s Jewelers. Wine and Design Newport News will offer guests the opportunity to create their own Picasso on an 8” x 10” canvas for $5.00 in the Wine and Design painter’s tent (all supplies and instruction included). Pic-N-Paint artists will provide pirate face painting and everyone is invited to join “Blackbeard’s Crew” in the Scallywag School for Aspiring Pirates and visit the Crew’s living history encampment.
In support of the City’s Sustainability Initiatives, “eco stations” will be placed throughout the event area. Event guests are encouraged to recycle trash in containers provided by Bay Disposal, place empty oyster shells in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s bushel baskets, and place food leftovers in the N.O.P.E (Natural Organic Processes Enterprises) containers for food composting. Each recycled oyster shell will be used to rebuild oyster habitat throughout Virginia.
Admission and parking are free. Parking is located in the Merchants Walk, Fountain Way and Mariners Row parking garages in City Center. Blankets and chairs are allowed, no outside alcoholic beverages allowed. Pets are not permitted in the event area. For additional information, call 757-926-1400.