Tofino Oyster Fest: The 10th Annual Clayoquot Oyster Festival in Tofino

When the District of Tofino dedicated November 'Oyster Month', it was a sure sign that the Clayoquot Festival of Oysters and the Sea was a huge success with many more years of celebrating to come.

This year we celebrate the 10th Annual Clayoquot Festival of Oysters and the Sea!! What was once a humble locals event for one night; something do to on a rainy night in our once sleepy November town, has now evolved into a weekend of oyster gastronomy, including oyster farm tours, educational seminars, masquerade ball and of course, the main event, selling out in just four hours after tickets went on sale this year, the Oyster Gala.
The Oyster Gala event is hosted this year by CBC Radio One Host Jo-Ann Roberts. A total of 12 local restaurants and caterers will be showcasing oysters in all shapes, sizes and forms. You'll find samples of wine and beer from several BC wineries and breweries including Stag's Hollow, Blasted Church, Salt Spring Vineyard, Mission Hill, Cedar Creek, Blue Grouse, Vancouver Island Brewery and Phillips Brewery. Victoria classic R&B band, The Bryden Street House Party, a full eight-piece band with three female lead vocalists, will help you get your groove on covering artists such as Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Motown, the Commitments, the Beatles and Wilson Pickett. And of course we can't forget the infamous Oyster Slurping Contest. In recent years we have seen the slurping talents of Sally Mole, Nikki Mayor and Friends, Shirley Langer, Mike Dewit and others. This year the committee would like to emphasize and encourage creative thought behind presentation, keeping it classy, imaginative and exotic (unusual or foreign). The three categories include best theatrical performance, best musical performance and best exotic performance.

Long Beach Lodge is hosting its annual Oyster Festival kick off cocktail reception, For the Love of Oysters. VI oysters and BC wines will be paired with the breathtaking back drop of Cox Bay and cozy Great Room. For those of you who weren't able to get your tickets to the Gala, don't worry, The Bryden Street House Party will also be performing at the Mermaid's Ball, a costume friendly soiree including a BBQ and raw oyster bar with beer and wine samplings for the first hour. Costume theme is 'Under the Sea' or 'Nautical'.

This year the Tin Wis Resort is also featuring an evening of oysters and wine. A 5-course dinner will be presented with wine pairings, followed by live performances with R&B flavoured pop singer Kinnie Starr and traditional Nuu-cha-nulth song and dance performers, the Ahousaht Soul Shakers.

There are plenty of other events to go to November 16th - 18th. If you are dining out around town this month, ask about special oyster features. Otherwise, slurp into the mood and find your own way to celebrate 'Oysterember'!

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On the Half Shell

Long Beach Lodge Resort
Thu, Nov.16, 2006 – 7:30pm
$ by donation

Learn with local marine biologist Josie Osborne as she presents a humorous and educational talk explaining everything you need to know about oysters.

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For the Love of Oysters

Great Room, Long Beach Lodge
Fri, Nov.17 5:30pm
$25 per person

Join Chef Rob Wheaton and BC wineries from 5.30 - 8pm.. This event will sell out fast. Call 250 725 2442 for more info.

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Celebration of Wine & Oysters

Tin Wis Conference Centre
Fri, Nov.17, 2006 - 6pm
$133.75 per person

A five course dinner with wine pairings followed by live First Nations entertainment with Kinnie Starr and Ahousaht's "Soul Shakers'. Starts at 6pm. Contact Theresa at 725 4445 for info. Tickets at Tin Wis.

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Mermaid's Ball

Tofino Community Hall
Fri, Nov.17. 2006 - 9:30pm
$25

The Bryden Street House Party, will help you shake it up. Wine and beer samplings provided for the first hour,

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Oysters Afloat

Lemmens Inlet
Sat, Nov.18. 2006 - 10am
$25

Take a ride to an oyster farm and watch real oyster farmers at work. Weather permitting. Call Remote Passages 725-3330

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The Oyster Gala

Tofino Community Hall
Sat, Nov.18. 2006 - Doors open 6pm
This Event is Sold Out

A total of 12 restaurants will showcase creative oyster canapes.

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2 Chefs and Pearl of an Oysters

Long Beach Lodge
Sat, Nov.18,2006 - 6pm
$95 beverages extra

A five course menu will be paired with award winning wines for an evening that will tantalize your taste buds. Only 65 tickets are available, call 725-2442