Norwalk Readies for Oyster Festival

You can explore the environment, take in energetic entertainment and enjoy edibles at the annual Oyster Festival, which this year takes place Sept. 9-11 in .

The association has announced plans for a weekend of excitement for young and old—whether from the immediate vicinity or farther away—as it has each year since 1978.

“It is a great opportunity for the Seaport Association to celebrate Norwalk’s Maritime history,” said Carolyn Ripp, a spokeswoman for the group. She also noted that it helps local non-profit organizations raise money through their food booths.

But in general, “it’s just a great time for people to enjoy the coast, the oysters, the arts and crafts and all the other entertainment that we have,” she said.

This year’s main entertainment attractions are Fuel, Soul Asylum, and Silverado, bands to pump of the crowd after a long day of taking in the festival’s other attractions.

Fuel, according to its website, is a rock band that has sold millions of albums, and enjoyed a slew of hit records, including “Shimmer,” “Innocent,” and "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)." The Tennessee-born band has performed worldwide, both headlining and opening for other acts like Aerosmith, Kid Rock and Creed.

Soul Asylum, which has a 28-year-history, evolved from a college rock band in Minnesota to one of mainstream note, with founding and continuing member David Pirner taking the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1994. They've been working on a new album planned for release this year.

Silverado is now based upstate in South Windsor, but traces its heritage to the 1970s in Hollywood. The band says it prides itself on its diverse repertoire of pop and country.

Visitors may need the energy boost of these performers after indulging in the array of activities lined up to show off Norwalk Harbor and its nearby islands.

For environmental explorers, there will be the opportunity to take harbor cruises, see various displays about going green, learn about the oyster industry, and take part in a shucking and slurping contest.

For youngsters, there is the always-popular Kids Cove with games, rides, and arts and crafts. There's also a "Pirates Coast" adventure with story-telling and treasure hunts.

The “meatiest” event on the festival menu may be the Bar-B-Q Pit, where teams vie for cash prizes as they prepare delectables in such categories as whole hog, chowder, and chili.

This year’s presenting sponsor is the First County Bank. Tickets are free for the under-five set and active-duty U.S. military personnel showing valid identification. For others, tickets range from $3 for a child's daily admission for to $50 for a full-weekend family pass.