Dreary Day, Dreamy Oysters

Crowds gathered early Wednesday afternoon eagerly awaiting what many say is their favorite time of the year on Ocracoke.

Locals and visitors alike gathered to wait in a line that quickly grew past the confines of the Fish House parking lot, reaching well past the Jolly Roger. The 10th annual OWWA Oyster Roast was in full swing and neither rain, gloom, nor a slightly battered oyster truck could stop this holiday tradition.

In 2006, Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association was formed in response to the potential sale of the island fish house and a way of life. OWWA is a non-profit under the umbrella Ocracoke Foundation, Inc., whose mission is education and research along with ensuring a base of operations for local fishermen.

An estimated 300 guests marked one of the watermen's best roasts to date, proving how this small fundraiser has grown to be a staple on the island. Aaron Caswell, Lou Castro, and Jackie Willis provided the music, keeping morale high and heads bobbing, stopping occasionally for an oyster or some shrimp from the grateful crowd. We worked through about 40 bushels of oysters and 300 pounds of shrimp, not to mention a crab shrimp bisque that went all too fast, cooked by Carissa VanderVere. A flounder/red drum/black drum/sheepshead/mahi fish stew from Vince O'Neal, Rudy Austin, and Donald Austin was another big hit as well. Ocracoke Oyster Company donated hush puppies, bringing them by the veritable truckload.

Thanks to everyone who made it possible: Jerry Lukefahr, David Hilton, and Jorge Saurez for cooking the shrimp; the local fishermen for slingin' oysters all day; the ladies who handled serving the masses; and the countless others who helped out.  Special thanks goes to waterman Dan Garrish for not burning the whole place down!

Most of all OWWA would like to extend their gratitude to those who battled the dreary day to come out and support our local fish house. “We do this in appreciation of everyone who supports the Fish House all year,” said Pattie Plyler, who manages the Ocracoke Seafood Company retail store and helps organize the event. 

The fish house closes for the winter after Thanksgiving weekend and opens again in the spring when the waters are warmer and the fish return, usually in March.