Oyster Shucking Challenge Set for This Weekend

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Oyster Shucking Challenge Set for This Weekend

Provincial oyster-shucking champ Alex Dunphy of Dingwall, Victoria Co., will defend his title at the third annual Nova Scotia Oyster Shucking Challenge, Saturday, Sept. 7, in Halifax.

Nine contestants, representing the restaurant industry and oyster farming, will compete for the provincial title. The champion must achieve the best combined scores of fastest-shucked and best oyster presentation to win the event.

The competition will take place at the Brewery Market Exterior Courtyard, 1496 Lower Water St., starting at 10 a.m.

The winner will receive $300 and an all-expense-paid trip to compete as Nova Scotia's oyster-shucking champion at the International P.E.I. Shellfish Festival at Peakes Wharf in Charlottetown in September.

The event began two years ago as a way to promote Nova Scotia oysters and the province's oyster industry, which is valued at more than $1 million.

The competition is fun for the whole family. Afterward, there will be complimentary oysters for all the participants, judges and observers.