86th annual Georgetown Oyster Eat attracts more than 800

The line outside Georgetown Fire Company Feb. 24 wrapped around the side of the iconic Bedford Street building extending nearly a block. More than 800 oyster enthusiasts and firefighter supporters were waiting for the doors to open and the feasting to begin. Several buses shuttled people in from all over the state.

“It’s a big deal for our town,” said Oyster Eat Chair Sean Magee.

The 86th annual Oyster Eat was one of the most well-attended in the storied event's long history. Magee said 60 volunteers worked over the course of two days to prepare for the event, anticipating a high number of attendees. Firefighters from all over the state and Delmarva Peninsula make their way to the mollusk feast that also features seemingly endless amounts of draft beer, bluegrass music, hundreds of hard-boiled eggs and lots of cigars.

One of the marquee events of the night is the auction, led by Sen. Dave Wilson, R-Lincoln, for a special handcrafted oyster knife. The blade was donated by Dexter-Russell, with the handle made by Neal Green. 

The knife came with a plaque and decoy. The plaque was made by Rocky Green with wood from his grandfather’s barn. Green’s grandfather was a World War I vet who roasted the first ox for the Return Day parade. The Victor decoy was found by Green’s uncle, Emerson Stauffer, in the Great Marsh. 

Kenny Adams, represented by Steve Smyk, won the item with a bid of $6,500. Magee added that sponsors donated $16,000, bringing the total above $20,000 before ticket sales. 

With tickets going for $40 and more than 800 people in attendance, gross sales were above $30,000. 

“It’s the biggest fundraiser we have all year, and proceeds go toward the operations of the fire department, which is 100% volunteer,” Magee said.

Attracting firefighter supporters from all walks of life, including Delaware lawmakers, the festive nature of the event brought forth bearded, shaved and mustached smiles of all shapes and sizes. Delaware Sens. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes; Wilson; and Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, all mingled with the crowd throughout the night. Wilson’s impressive auctioneering skills were on full display, while Pettyjohn helped sell raffle tickets and T-shirts. 

For more information about the Georgetown Fire Company, go to Georgetown77.com.