THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 28, 1994 TAG: 9410260152
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
THIS SATURDAY at Chesapeake City Park, seafood lovers throughout the city will be able to loudly proclaim: ``Oysters R in season.''
The Great Bridge Jaycees 18th annual Oyster Roast takes place Saturday at Chesapeake City Park.
No matter what the weather, the Jaycees will provide plenty of oysters.
``The attendance varies from year to year,'' said Bob Middlebrooks, the Great Bridge Jaycees' chairman of public relations. ``We do well, people support us, no doubt about it, but more often than not, we've had a notorious record for rainy weather. When it doesn't rain, we have anywhere from 500 to 700 people come out.
``We can always count on the die-hard oyster eaters to support us, rain or shine,'' he said. ``They are our mainstay. For oyster lovers, this will be a grand affair.''
He said oyster aficionados will be able to feast on raw oysters, already cleaned and preshucked, dine on fried and battered oysters or enjoy them roasted that day on special steel pans.
The non-oyster lover in the family will be able to eat barbecue with coleslaw, baked beans, chowder made fresh that morning and another specialty.
All the above foods will be served in all-you-can-eat fashion with plenty of one's favorite beverages on hand.
``There will be soft drinks, special mixed drinks and beer trucks serving Miller and Bud,'' he said. ``And that always helps the oysters go down.''
While patrons dine on their favorite foods they will be royally entertained by the Undercover band and, as a special treat, Chesapeake's own master guitarist/singer/composer Lewis McGehee, who recently released a critically acclaimed album ``The Famous Unknowns,'' with Mike Lille and Robbin Thompson.
For those who fear the rain, Middlebrooks said the Great Bridge Jaycees will get help from Chesapeake Sheriff John R. Newhart, who will supply several tents and pavilions in case of bad weather.
So what's the reason for all this oyster feasting?
``Every year the proceeds from this event will go into our general Jaycees fund to benefit several of our community projects,'' Middlebrooks said.
Money raised from this biggest Great Bridge Jaycees fund-raiser of the year will be used to support and organize the annual Chesapeake Christmas Parade, which takes place the first Thursday after Thanksgiving (this year's parade takes place Dec. 1).
In addition, funds will be used to help send several mentally and physically disabled youngsters and adults to Camp Virginia Jaycees in Bedford; and other funds will be used to help about 20 needy children and their families during the holiday season. ILLUSTRATION: File photo by ROBIE RAY
There'll be plenty to eat at The Great Bridge Jaycees Oyster Roast.
OYSTER ONSLAUGHT
[For a copy of the graphic, see microfilm.]
by CNB