The 51st Urbanna Oyster Festival Will Delight Sea and Land Lovers Alike!

Since 1957, Urbanna has celebrated the beloved bivalve that for years bolstered the town's local economy. Come be a part of the tradition and make merry at the 51^st Urbanna Oyster Festival!

Friday's highlights include the crowning of the Oyster Festival Queen and Little Miss Spat and the Urbanna Oyster Festival Firemen's Parade. Young ladies and little girls alike compete for the honor of Queen and Miss Spat (baby oyster) based upon their work on a community project, an essay response, school grades, and an interview.

On Saturday, enjoy the Oyster Festival Parade, the festival's claim to fame. The parade will feature antique cars, elaborate floats, several marching bands, beauty queens, and a Shriners contingency. You might also watch professional shuckers from across the state participate in an Oyster Shucking Contest.

Also make time to visit the Oyster Festival Waterfront at the Urbanna Town Marina at Upton's Point and the Old Tobacco Warehouse, one of the oldest surviving tobacco mercantile structures in the United States. The waterfront will be open on Friday and Saturday.

Parents will be happy to note that there is a Children's Activity Corner, as well. Kids can unleash their creative fancies in a wide range of crafts, painting, sand-art, and other activities. Stay tuned for fantastic puppet shows and jugglers, too! The Children's Activity Corner is located on Grace Avenue.

The festival has a walking Pay-as-You-Go policy. Parking varies according to which side of town you park, ranging from $5 to $20. Handicapped parking will be made available but no shuttles will run that weekend.

For more information on this exciting annual event, visit www.urbannaoysterfestival.com.