Norwalk Oyster Festival The
weekend was a grand success. Over 3800
people toured our decks, and the festival itself
drew an estimated 75,000 over the weekend,
delighting crowds with live oysters, joy rides,
craft tents and an appearance by the legendary
band, "Kool and the Gang" Saturday
night.
The weather held fair for all three days;
sunny, war, (humid!), but with a steady SW-ly
breeze to help contend with the heat. The
ERNESTINA lay alongside a floating dock near the
entrance to Veteran's Memorial Park, and just
south of the major artery through town where it
crosses the river. As throngs of
pedestrians and motorists crossed the bridge,
they had a birds' eye view of us, the QUINNIPIAK,
CHRISTEEN and a small sail training vessel
PHOENIX. We like to think we drew
significant numbers into the Festival with this
sight.
Visitors on board were shown some of our
educational stations, including a portfolio of
historic photographs from all 4 careers of
ERNESTINA's life, a knot-tying station, and a
display of our traditional "tools of the
trade". Our members Ed and Alicia Ditto and
Bob Hansen threw themselves wholeheartedly into
their role of interpreter (and juggler!).
Their help and enthusiasm were invaluable and
appreciated by all the crew.
We look forward to visiting Norwalk again, and
to satiating our appetite for live oysters at
future festivals.
Captain: Sophie Morse
Program Coordinator: Inette Rex
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