2023 National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest® – U.S. Oyster Festival

Entry Deadline: August 31, 2023
2023 National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest® – U.S. Oyster Festival
Venue / Location

St. Mary’s County Fairgounds
42455 Fairgrounds Road
Leonardtown, MD 20650

General Information

Competition – October 21, 2023

This is a Maryland Area Contest.

This contest, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lexington Park, is open to all citizens of the United States.

All oyster shucking contestants are timed. The speed of shucking 24 oysters is a key component of the contest. Presentation of the shucked oysters, however, is also very important.

Seconds are deducted from the shucking time for improperly shucked oysters or those showing less than perfect presentation. Thus, the winners need to be fast, but also must pay attention to the appearance of the oysters they shuck. After judging is complete each contestant shares his or her oysters with the spectators in the stands.

Entry Fees

Per Entry Fee – $100.00

The entry fee of $100.00* should accompany the completed entry form.

If mailed, this form should be addressed to:
US Oyster Festival
P.O. Box 766
California, MD 20619

If hand carried by the candidate, the completed form must be presented to the Chief Clerk by 1:00 pm, on Saturday, the first day of the contests.  Chief Clerk’s office opens at 10:00 am.

*If candidate is unable to sponsor himself/herself or find a sponsor, please submit the completed entry form at the earliest possible date so that a sponsor can be found for you.

Lack of a sponsor shall not disqualify a bona fide professional shucker from entering the contest.

Prizes / Awards / Medals / Ribbons

Grand Prize – $1,300.00
Division Prizes
1st Prize – $300.00
2nd Prize – $200.00
3rd Prize – $150.00

Mushroom Forest

Contest News

delivered to your inbox


By Clicking “Sign Me Up”, you confirm you have read, understand and agree to our Privacy Policy.