Coastal Federation’s annual Hatteras oyster roast postponed until 2022

A moment during the 2020 Hatteras Island Oyster Roast. [photo courtesy North Carolina Coastal Federation]

The North Carolina Coastal Federation’s planned 2021 Hatteras Island Oyster Roast, an annual event to promote local seafood and culture set for Feb. 6, has been postponed until 2022.

Held since 2014 and a major fundraiser for the federation and its work to protect and restore water quality and coastal habitat in North Carolina, more than 500 attended the 2020 roast.

“With the event growing every year, we had to consider the current health and safety concerns for both residents to Hatteras Island and those traveling from out of town. However, we’re excited to begin plans for 2022 with hopes that we’ll be able to reconvene safely,” said Sara Hallas, education coordinator for the federation.

Oysters are a big part of the federation’s work. A single oyster is capable of filtering a bathtub full of water per day. And although the 2021 event is canceled, there are still ways to support the federation’s oyster work from your home.

You can become a member of the federation, or support the federation’s Adopt an Oyster campaign. Adopt a single oyster, a dozen oysters, a peck or a bushel to restore the coast. With each adoption, you will receive updates on the progress on your adopted oyster and gifts depending on your adoption level.

If you’re still in the mood to dine on oysters, you can explore the recently launched North Carolina Oyster Trail, a partnered effort between the federation, North Carolina Sea Grant, and the N.C. Shellfish Growers Association. Purchase oysters from your local shellfish growers for your own roast, visit a restaurant serving oysters, or choose from a variety of other oyster experiences.

For more information, contact Sara Hallas at 252-473-1607. To Adopt an Oyster, visit nccoast.org/myoyster. For information on the North Carolina Oyster Trail, visit ncoystertrail.org.

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