9th Annual Clayoquot Oyster Festival in Tofino

The Clayoquot Oyster Festival is once again here! Celebrating our 9th year during 'Oysterember' - oyster month this November in Tofino. With its beginnings in 1996, the Clayoquot Oyster Festival has grown over the years adding new events and perfecting old favourites. From Friday November 18th - Sunday November 20th, this years' festival features a variety of gastronomical and fun filled events, including educational oyster farm tours, featured oyster menus, the Mermaids Ball and Gala.

The Clayoquot Oyster Festival has its roots as a local celebration of oysters and the sea, and is motivated by the crystal clean, nutrient rich waters of Clayoquot Sound. Clayoquot Sound produces deep-water oysters.

Hanging on long-lines in the deep cool waters, our oysters feed continuously on the natural riches of the water. Clayoquot Sound Deep Water Oysters tend to be clean, mild and sweet, free of silt or taste of the substrate.

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On the Half Shell

Location to be announced
Thu, Nov 17 - 7:30pm

Join local marine biologist Josie Osborne for an informative and entertaining talk on oysters Ñ learn about where they live, what they eat, and perhaps most interestingly, the legends of what they can do for you when you eat them! Sponsored by the Raincoast Education Society, answer all your questions and more. Location to be Announced. Tickets by donation.

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For the Love of Oysters

Long Beach Lodge
Fri Nov 18 - 5pm

Kicking off our ninth year, Long Beach Lodge is hosting a Festival opening reception in their Great Room, featuring Clayoquot oysters, BC wines and more. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the Long Beach Lodge. Call 250-725-2442.

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The Mermaid's Ball

Tin Wis Best Western Resort
Fri, Nov 18 - 8:30pm

Put on your Sunday best or dress in character and come swish your tails to the hot Latin beat of Rumba Calzada at the Mermaids Ball. Tasting of regional wines, and a raw and bbq oyster bar, plus a performance from Tofino's Flamenco de la Costa Dancers will complement a fun filled night of dancing. Rumba Calzada, a Vancouver based band blends jazz, salsa and Afro-Cuban styles using such instruments as the congas, timbales, trombone, bass and keyboard. ÒWe like to mix it up by adding funk, jazz and English lyrics with our Latin repertoire,Ó says Raphael Geronimo, lead composer, arranger and percussionist. It's get-people-up-and-dancing music. Mermaid Ball Tickets $25/person and can be purchased at Wildside Booksellers in Tofino, 250-725-4222.

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Oysters Afloat Oyster Tours

Long Beach Lodge
Sat Nov 19 - 10am

Experience first hand how oysters are grown and harvested in Clayoquot Sound. A boat trip to nearby Lemmen's Inlet will bring you to a working oyster farm. At the farm, a local oyster grower will talk about and demonstrate various aspects of oyster growing. Call Remote Passages Marine Excursions in Tofino to book your passage! 250.725.3330 Tickets $25. Trips begin at 10am on the half hour as boats fill.

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The Oyster Gala

Tin Wis Best Western Resort
Sat Nov 19 6pm

The Oyster Gala will once again feature the culinary exploits of local chefs from resorts and restaurants as they present their oyster creations, competing for the People's Choice and Judged Awards. Hosted by Kathryn Gretsinger of cbc Radio, Victoria, this year's Gala includes regional wine, cider and beer tasting paired with locally made cheeses and other ocean delites, the wild antics of the slurping contest and dancing till the early hours with Vancouver's hot Latin Jazz band, Rumba Calzada. Sorry, this event is SOLD OUT.

More events are in the making. Check the website for updates: www.oystergala.com