 How well do you know the Texas oyster? Don't get to know him too well, because he's just too plain good to eat!
The Rockport-Fulton Annual Oysterfest Celebration (March 5 - 8, 2009) has long been a project of the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. This 30th annual fund-raiser includes oyster-eating contests, oyster-shucking contests, live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts and unique vendors. The event is located at the waterfront in Fulton.
The 2008 festival was the largest to date drawing some 30,000 visitors to the coastal community. With even bigger party plans and bigger entertainment names the Town is expecting an even bigger attendance this year. Don’t worry there is more than enough oysters to go around!
The first full weekend in March is traditionally your best chance to dig-in for your dose of oysters, gumbo and more in the charming coastal town of Fulton. If you underappreciate the role of oysters in one's life, here's your chance to make amends.
Perhaps the most popular events for visitors to watch are the raw oyster eating and oyster shucking contests. Divisions include Male, Female and even kids. The kids contest is a crowd favorite. Just don’t stand too close to the contestant table!
 This year crowds can expect to dance and sing to the tunes of some big names in country music, like Frenchie Burke backed by Johnny Lyons and Darrell and Mona McCall. In all there will be over 16 live performances over the three day festival, ranging from country to pop with various dance groups also performing.
The events proceeds have always been used to purchase life saving and fire fighting equipment. This years profits will go towards paying off the balance on a new fire truck for a new firestation. So not only do you get to have a great time for your very reasonable $3.00 entry fee, you help support a good cause within a lovely truly Texas coastal community.
Once known as Rocky Point, the Rockport-Fulton area was one of twenty-three original counties of the Republic of Texas and was located where the southwest's great cattle industry began—a place that originally controlled the military and economic destiny of Texas. During the early days, one of the main approaches to the territories of Texas from the sea was Aransas colony to El Copano.
Here, just 30 minutes northeast of Corpus Christi, lies an enchanting village of fishing trawlers, art galleries, charter boats, quaint shops, seafood markets and restaurants, and birds. Lots and lots of birds. Birders from across North America flock here every winter to enjoy what is arguably the finest bird watching terrain in North America.
But in this annual salute to the Texas oyster, it's the sea, and not the sky, that gets much deserved attention. And from the sea, or at least the bays surrounding the region, oysters are king, or at least share the title with shrimp and redfish.
A visit to this charming community nestled on the Texas Coast is great anytime of year, but if you can plan your visit to coincide with this unique festival, you'll enjoy an uncommon celebration of the sea.
For more information : (361)729-2388.
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Rio Grande Valley