World is Your Oyster Fest 2024 – A Shucking Success!
This year’s World is Your Oyster Fest (WIYO) took place at the historic B&O Railroad Museum, a venue pivotal in the spread of oysters across the U.S. in the 1800s. Despite earlier rain, the skies cleared for over 650 guests to enjoy fresh-shucked oysters, gourmet seafood, shucking workshops, and an exciting competition — all in support of the Oyster Recovery Partnership’s (ORP) mission to restore the Chesapeake’s oyster population.
The Impact – Oysters for a Healthier Bay
WIYO’s impact extends beyond the night’s festivities. Over 8,000 oysters were consumed, with every shell recycled to help ORP plant nearly 160,000 new oysters in the Chesapeake Bay next year. Additionally, over $45,000 was raised to support ORP’s restoration efforts. These efforts continue ORP’s leadership in sustainable oyster restoration, enhancing water quality and providing critical habitat for baby oysters.
Highlights of the Night
The Shucking Competition, sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, featured last year’s co-champion Francisco Lopez, of the Walrus Oyster & Ale House, who defended his title with a winning time of 192 seconds. The event reached new heights as Baltimore City Councilman James Torrence proclaimed WIYO the city’s official shucking competition!
Guests honed their skills at the Shuck Like a Pro workshops, presented by Flywheel Digital.
Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks praised Maryland’s oyster farmers, while Comptroller Brooke Liermen’s Certificate of Recognition, delivered by ORP’s Board Chair Tighe Merkert, honored ORP’s transformational work. A special moment came as U.S. Senator Ben Cardin was awarded the inaugural “Pearl of the Chesapeake” award for his steadfast support of oyster restoration in the Bay.
And, of course, the incredible food! Guests enjoyed a veritable Chesapeake smorgasbord of raw oysters served on the half shell, buffalo fried oysters, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster rolls, crab dip pretzels, Chesapeake Stew, Blue Catfish, seafood cocktail, blackened tuna, creamy crab soup, seared scallops, and a delicious oyster bake! For those who don’t prefer seafood, there were options like kona crusted filet served over mashed potatoes and prime rib sliders. Plus, ice cream, cheeses, and small bite desserts galore!
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
A huge thank you to our Platinum Sponsors: Beltway Companies, Maryland’s Best Seafood, Constellation, Jim and Jan Perdue, and Wither Hills. We also recognize our seven Gold Sponsors and 14 Silver Sponsors for their vital contributions.
We extend our gratitude to the 12 oyster farms and purveyors, 18 restaurants, 17 beverage companies, 13 vendors, and 24 volunteers who helped make WIYO a smashing success! Your generosity and hard work further ORP’s mission to restore the Chesapeake Bay, one oyster at a time.
Event Photos – Relive the Fun!
Check out our favorite moments from the night. Thanks to Jordan Paige Studios and Photography by James Trudeau for capturing these moments!
What’s Next?
As we wrap up another incredible year of WIYO, we look forward to continuing our oyster restoration work. Keep an eye on upcoming oyster events, or support ORP’s mission by signing the Shell Recycling Pledge, or spreading the word on social about our efforts (be sure to tag us @oysterrecovery).
Thank you to all our oyster lovers and Bay champions for being part of the movement to restore the Chesapeake Bay, one oyster at a time. See you at the next WIYO!
WIYO2024 Sponsors
