JOIN US FOR THE 67TH ANNUAL
URBANNA OYSTER FESTIVAL
November 1-2, 2024

The Urbanna Oyster Festival's

Virginia State Oyster Shucking Competition

November 2, 2024
@ 11:00am

Signups for this year’s competition begin at 10 AM on Saturday, November 2. See below for official rules.

Since Urbanna is the home of The Virginia “official” Oyster Festival, it is only appropriate that some of the best oyster shuckers in the world practice their trade here. The first Virginia Oyster Shucking Contest was held in Urbanna on Saturday, November 6, 1982. The 1982 winner in the women’s division was Pamela Page (Women’s National Champion) with a time of 7:05. The 1982 men’s champion was George Hodges with a time of 7:52. The 1983 women’s champion was Mrs. Sara Hammond with a time of 6:57 and the 1983 Men’s Champion was Sheppard Hammond whose time was 8:20. Sara Hammond of Church View went on to compete in Galway, Ireland in 1983 and placed third in the world!

The Urbanna Oyster Shucking Contest has become an annual event in the Historic Port Town Urbanna, and the winner is declared State Champion and advances to compete in the National Oyster Shucking Contest in St. Mary’s, Maryland. The National Champion then travels to Galway, Ireland to participate in the World Championship. Our own 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.

Think you have what it takes to participate in the Shucking Competition?

Virginia State Oyster Shucking Competition Official Rules
1. All Professional level shucking contestants MUST provide a valid photo ID that proves they’re a resident of Virginia. ( Driver’s license, passport, etc.)

2. The Amateur level is open to all. If the winner is from Virginia, they may shuck at the Professional level moving forward. If not, they cannot move up to the Professional level. 

Photo Gallery

WELCOMe TO THE

66th Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival

We’re hoping to learn more about our visitors. Let us know where you’re visiting from!

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