Museum Oyster Roast Sells Out on a Perfect Night
Oysters, clam chowder, fried chicken, potato salad, 3-bean salad, rolls, and all kinds of dessert too. (Photo: Nancy Dalinsky)
By MARION NAAR
Cape Charles Historical Society
December 1, 2014
Over 200 people attended last Saturday’s 17th Annual Oyster Roast at the Cape Charles Museum — a sellout. After a rough week of weather, the evening was perfect (and so were the Plantation Creek oysters — roasted or raw, your choice).
With years of experience, the volunteer cooks know how to roast oysters right — position the rack just the right height over the smoky fire, and keep the burlap wet but not soggy. After about 10 minutes, samples are taken to check if the oysters are ready (a tough job, but there’s no shortage of volunteers).
Bill and Jan Neville prepared two kinds of clam chowder this year — the traditional Eastern Shore variety, and a thicker version with lots more vegetables, which won praise.
CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE
Kim Dunton was the first one at the dessert table, manned by Irene Munz. Her secret? “I always eat dessert first,” she explained, avoiding any need to “save room.”
According to musical aficionado Frank Wendell, the local Waterfront Band got it just right — playing loud enough to establish a presence but not overpowering the crowd in the tent. Geri Carpenter danced to it at after taking tickets all evening.
People came from nearby, across the Bay, Maryland, and Delaware. A group of fishermen from Chestertown, Maryland, came. People showed up who admitted they don’t even eat oysters. No matter — the rest of the crowd consumed over 20 bushels. And there was fried chicken for the faint-hearted, along with potato salad, a great vinegary 3-bean salad, and more.
Virginia and George Savage made what no doubt was their 17th appearance, although George forgot his oyster knife. That didn’t stop Virginia, who likes them raw with shrimp sauce. (George won’t eat them raw.)
There were 17 sponsors, which contributed greatly to the fundraiser. The silent auction also helped, as did the raffle.
Lessons learned by some: Don’t wait to the last minute to get your tickets next year. This year was a sellout!
That was one great party! Loved to read this article in the Wave and relive the evening.
We miss Kathy Bonadeo everywhere. We missed her at this wonderful event.
We wish to thank all the volunteers who made the event possible — working at the setup, cleanup, and during the event; the many contributors to the silent auction. Proceeds from the event keep your museum and welcome center alive. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Send them to [email protected].