The Virginia Oyster Shucking Contest, sponsored by Rappahannock Oyster Company, will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, behind the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department station (the Urbanna firehouse) at 335 Virginia St.
Since Urbanna is the home of Virginia’s “official” Oyster Festival, it is only appropriate that some of the best oyster shuckers in the world practice their trade near the town. The top professional shucker in the contest typically wins $300. The first place prize in each of the men’s and women’s divisions is $100; second, $50; and third, $25.
The winner is declared state champion and advances to compete in the National Oyster Shucking Contest in St. Mary’s County, Md., in October 2024. The National Champion then travels to Galway, Ireland to participate in the World Championship. Middlesex County’s Deborah Pratt has made several trips to Galway, Ireland to defend her championship. Although the emphasis is on speed, other factors on which the contestants are judged include the amount of shell fragments, clean separation of the oyster from the shell and damage to the meat of the oyster.
There will be an amateur shucking competition with a plaque for the winner, and an official Oyster Festival poster for second and third place finishers. Registration begins at 10 a.m. behind the firehouse.
Last year’s Urbanna Oyster Festival Shucking Contest winners:
Amateur division, shucking 12 oysters:
- David Jackson, Urbanna, 2:15.94
- Eric Speth, Williamsburg, 2:55.16
- Cyrus Brame, New Kent, 2:57.09
Professional Women, shucking 24 oysters:
- Deborah Pratt, Jamaica, 4:16.06
- Hannah Bush, Manassas, 4:35.41
- Jaime Southern, Norfolk, 4:51.19
Professional Men, shucking 24 oysters:
- Robert Minor, Gwynn’s Island, 3:20.78
- Ian Johnson, Norfolk, 3:26.03
- Sam Davis, Urbanna, 3:41.03
Overall Winner, shucking 24 oysters:
- Robert Minor, Gwynn’s Island, 3:28.34
