Crowds Turn Out As Norwalk Kicks Off 37th Annual Oyster Festival

NORWALK, Conn. -- The annual Norwalk Oyster Festival kicked off Friday night, ushering in a weekend of rides, games and family fun in one of Fairfield County's biggest events.

Crowds arrive at Veterans Park for the 37th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

One of several rides at the Oyster Festival.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

The Nerveless Nocks perform stunts for a thrilled audience at the Norwalk Oyster Festival.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Tony and the Swag Hooks perform on the main stage at the Norwalk Oyster Festival.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

An audience member takes part in one of the circus performances in the Kids' Cove Big Top Theater.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Families line up to play carnival games at the Oyster Festival.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

One of the big attractions was Norwalk's famous oysters at the festival.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Attendees get food at one of several vendors at the Norwalk Oyster Festival.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Families take a break from rides and games to do some shopping at the Norwalk Oyster Festival.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Casey Donahue

09/06/2014 5:00 a.m.

The 37th annual Oyster Festival is hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and is designed as a celebration of Norwalk's maritime history. It draws thousands of visitors every year to Veterans Park as everyone enjoys one last summer event.

Attendees Friday night were able to enjoy entertainment such as death-defying motorcycle stunts by the Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show and circus performers in the Kids' Cove Big Top Theater.

Although some went straight for the rides such as ferris wheels, tilt-a-whirls and merry-go-rounds, others dined on oysters, lobster and other local food items. There were also arts and crafts, shopping, carnival games, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, and musical performances, including headlining act Scott Stapp of Creed.

Saturday's headline act will be Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Sunday will feature performances by the U.S. Army Volunteer Band and the Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra.

The popular slurping festival will also return Saturday at 3 p.m. and will feature contestants such as U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, Mayor Harry Rilling, Common Council President Doug Hempstead, and two members of the audience as well as other elected officials and community members.

The Oyster Festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $12 for the general public, $10 for seniors, $5 for children under 12 years old and free for active duty members of the U.S. military and their families.

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