Urbanna preparing for possible big visitor influx Nov. 6 and 7

Even with full-scale Oyster Festival canceled, many may still come

by Tom Chillemi – 

Although this year’s Urbanna Oyster Festival has been canceled due to COVID-19, there is the possibility that visitors will still come to Urbanna anyway as people cooped up for almost eight months look for some relief from being on restriction. Private parties are anticipated and promoted on social media. Just how many will make the pilgrimage is unknown, but the Urbanna Town Council wants to be prepared.

At its Oct. 8 meeting, council voted to ask the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office to provide deputies to patrol in town during Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7, which are the dates for the festival that will not be presented.

During the Oyster Festival events dozens of deputies are hired just for the two days. This will not be the case this year since the festival has been canceled.

If a homeowner invites a large number of people, said Mayor Gravatt, “the homeowner is responsible for those guests if they become rowdy or get out of control . . . the same thing goes for businesses.”

“Urbanna Days” is being promoted on Nov. 6-7 by the Urbanna Business Association (UBA); and an outdoor art show is planned. Councilor Barbara Hartley commented, “They (UBA) are aware that, even with it canceled, people are going to show up and they want to have something to offer the people who show up even if it’s not a big festival.” We should have a police presence, she added.

Town council’s attorney Andy Bury said that Bethpage Camp-Resort is hosting events…