Keg N' Oyster Fest

6/16/13:

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Set-up, Food, Music

Cons:

*Note: This post was originally an article for the paper that didn't get used. Hence, slightly different style*

     As the noon hour approached on this beautiful Fathers Day Sunday, Hardywood Craft Brewery was a flutter of activity. Last minute preparations were being made for the joint Hardywood & Rappahannock River Oysters celebration called Keg n’ Oyster Fest. Beer trucks were relocated, tents set-up and grills lit. Soon the smell of fried oysters and custom sausages were wafting across the sun-drenched parking lot saying, “Step on in, the waters fine!”

     The crowd started small, like it does for every Richmond festival, but quickly built to a mass of hungry and thirsty people. Hardywood closed the doors to the brewery as trying to fit large amounts of pedestrian traffic through there would have been tragic. They instead opted to go with 2 tents in their main lot, a beer truck in their over flow lot and a concession-type stand in their 2^nd building where they sold pitchers . This was a great call as it really allowed people space to spread out and didn’t bunch lines up together. The only negative was that they ran out of pitchers fast, like 15 minutes into the festival. It meant you had to keep an eye out for tables with empty ones and act quickly. We struck up a deal with the table next to us and were able to get one fairly early.

     Rappahannock also spread out their operation, which again proved to be a smart decision as these lines got long fast. The oysters themselves could be found prepared a variety of ways, each unique and delicious. Two varieties ( a buttery and a salty) of raw oysters were being shucked and served 4 for $5 with tarter or hot sauce. There was a choice of fried oysters or crab cakes at a separate booth. Finally there was a giant grill where oysters were soaking up the heat and the smoke to produce a delightful grilles oyster in the half shell. Rappahannock did a wonderful job accommodating people with amazing seafood all afternoon long.

The staffs of both companies were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. The Hardywood folks took the time to explain their beers to uninitiated folks. They poured quickly and efficiently, moving folks smoothly through their lines. The Rappahannock people were equally as pleasing. The girl in the raw line went out of her way to explain to me how to do my first ever raw oyster for the best experience. Her explanation was not only thorough, but it was spot on accurate. Kudos goes out to both companies for hiring people who have a passion for their job.

     Food trucks were invited to provide a little something different for those people who weren’t into the oysters. Mosaic, King of Pops and Pizza Tonight were there dishing up their amazing fare. Sausage Craft also had a tent from which they were putting out delicious fresh made sausages with fried oysters or pimento cheese. The addition of these local companies did nothing but add to the festive atmosphere.

     As you were enjoying the sun, beer and oysters you couldn't help but listen to the catchy tunes being brought to you by James Justin and Company. This bluegrassy-type trio entertained the crowd with family friendly lyrics and catchy tunes all throughout the sunny afternoon. Had they not been as amazing as they were the whole atmosphere of the festival could have been altered. Whoever booked them please do so again and soon.

     Keg n’ Oyster Fest can go down in the books as another successful Richmond festival that was enjoyed by those who attended and a source of regret for those who didn't. For a first time festival I think that so much went right that it’s hard to find something that went wrong. Hopefully this will become a yearly tradition because I’m already gearing myself up for TWO whole raw oysters next year!