Shuck, Slurp, Repeat
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Every March, when Texas oysters are in their prime season, the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department celebrates the local bivalve with Oysterfest. The four-day event includes carnival rides, games, live music, and tens of thousands of oysters. The main draw is the oyster-eating contest, where contestants are given bags full of raw oysters
The main draw is the oyster-eating contest, where contestants are given bags full of raw oysters to gulp down in 10 minutes. “Some people sit there and put their oysters on crackers as they eat them,” says Sharron Loflin, president of the Fulton Oysterfest Organization. “They don’t win.” The record for the men’s contest is over 300 oysters.
Oysterfest started in 1979 to raise funds for a new fire station. Since the new station was built in 2014, proceeds now go toward equipment, training, and maintenance. More than 59,000 oysters were sold at the 2020 festival (the 2021 festival was canceled). This year’s event runs March 3-6 and is expected to have more than 30,000 attendees.
Two large tents hold arts and crafts and food vendors. Jewelry, paintings, stained glass, pottery, and more are available from craft booths, while the food tent sells beer, Vietnamese egg rolls, turkey legs, shrimp, and oysters.
Don’t miss the oyster-decorating contest, where participants show just how creative they can get with oyster shells. “We’ve had people make beautiful oyster shell mirrors, oyster shell tables, and even an oyster lamp,” Loflin says. “It depends on how crafty you want to get.” —Amanda Ogle
BIG BEND COUNTRY
ALPINE
Texas as Art
Through April 2
The images in this exhibit are designed to showcase the diversity of Texas landscapes as seen from Earth’s orbit, including the expression of natural ecosystem elements, geologic features, and the expanding human footprint on the natural landscape. Two themes connect the settings selected for the 2022 exhibit tour: Texas’ natural ecoregions and Texas’ state parks, historic areas, natural areas, and wildlife management areas.
Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St., C-101.
432-837-8145; museumofthebigbend.com
EL PASO
Frida
March 19
This fusion of opera, Mexican folkloric and mariachi music, and Broadway musical theater is performed in Spanish and English with projected translations. The show chronicles Frida Kahlo’s life—from her teenage revolutionary politics to her early death—through music, monologue, and dance. The opera showcases the major events of Kahlo’s life that influenced her art.
Abraham Chavez Theatre, 1 Civic Center Plaza. 915-581-5534; epopera.org
ODESSA
Taste of the Permian Basin
March 31
Savor the culinary delights of over 30 Permian Basin restaurants and sample curated desserts from the area. Bush Convention Center, 105 N. Main St. facebook.com/tastethebasin
GULF COAST
BAY CITY
Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Show
Through March 6
The Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Exposition Association has produced a local county fair and livestock show continually since 1944. Activities include team roping, a heifer show and sale, a barbecue cookoff, a food show and auction, a rodeo, a talent show, and a carnival. Matagorda Fair Grounds, 4511 FM 2668.
979-245-2454; matagordacountyfair.com
BEAUMONT
Young Men’s Business League South Texas State Fair and Rodeo
March 24-April 3
The Young Men’s Business League South Texas State Fair and Rodeo brings thousands of visitors to Beaumont each spring with food, entertainment, and carnival rides.
