Aw shucks! Oysters 101 with Colin and Michelle Hackman!

Colin gives Jim some shucking encouragement

The 31st annual NC Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle was a first for us!  The drive from Wilmington to Brunswick County was half the fun.  Plus, it didn't hurt that the organizers made free parking available to everybody!  When we arrived, we were greeted with tons of arts and crafts vendors as well as thousands of oyster lovers.  Two of those half-shelled admirers included WECT-Fox Wilmington's Colin Hackman and his wife, Michelle.  

Growing up in the Midwest, Jim and I spent much of our lives without being around fresh oysters.  I've enjoyed eating them a handful of times, but Jim couldn't remember ever eating one.  We certainly had never gone to an oyster roast or an oyster festival.  Thanks to Colin and Michelle, we watched in awe as they diligently shucked shells for even the tiniest of oysters. 

The best part was that they let us have a few oysters out of their bushel!  Jim looks so funny because he is way too serious about trying to figure out what he's tasting.

Anyway, the Oyster Festival continues through 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14th.  And... if you're planning on throwing an oyster roast, then make room for us!