The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum will hold its 3rd annual Oyster Eating Contest at The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market on Saturday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Admission is free. Twenty-five contestants, sponsored by island businesses, will compete to consume as many mollusks as they can in one minute and help raise funds for the museum. Lamar Williams won last year’s contest by downing 48 mollusks, and he plans to fend off the competition again to retain his title.
Clay Miller of NBC-2 returns as master of ceremonies. Participants may enter the contest with a minimum $250 sponsorship. All proceeds will benefit the shell museum exhibits and educational programs. There are many ways to win in this year’s competition. Categories include: Grand Champion, 2nd Place and 3rd Place, Female Champion, Best Oyster Attire, Most Clams (Money) Collected (more than $1,000), and Most Team Spirit. Team spirit has always played an important part in the contest. The oysters eaters seem to slurp even faster when they have a lively rooting section. In the past, supporters have waved signs, sounded noisemakers, whistled and cheered their oyster eater on to victory. They have also supported the museum by purchasing food and drinks donated by The Timbers. This year, a woman’s watch provided by Lily & Co. will be raffled, and there will be crafts and face painting for the kids. Raffle tickets for the watch may be purchased in advance at the museum, Bailey’s General Store (Richard Johnson), Bank of the Islands (Rob Lisenbee), Sanibel-Captiva Trust Company (James Young), and The Timber’s Restaurant (Mark Blust). You need not be present to win. All are welcome to join in the fun and cheer on their favorite contestant, sample some Timbers seafood and help support The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.
If you are interested in being a contestant and/or a sponsor, contact John Suau at 395-2233 or at jsuau@shellmuseum. org.
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