There was a time when oysters were a staple in the diet of every New Yorker. On Sat., Oct. 4 from noon until 9 p.m., the Merchant’s House Museum will revive this tradition with the return of the New York City Oyster Festival, sponsored by Guinness Import Company. The Oyster Festival will combine freshly shucked Blue Point oysters and pints of Guinness with a free, all-day concert to be held at Hanover Sq. and the Stone St. Historic District in Lower Manhattan.
Over 30,000 people attended the last New York City Oyster Festival, held on E. Fourth St. in 2000. A highlight of this year’s festival is the Oyster Shucking Championship, where participants from local restaurants will compete for a cash prize, trophy and round trip ticket to Galway, Ireland, for the 2004 International Oyster Festival. Shuckers will be judged on speed, cleanliness and presentation. The event benefits the Merchant’s House Museum, 29 E. Fourth St.
