John once again will be one of the judges at the big Oyster Cook-Off at the St. Marys annual Festival. This is a truly whopping festival - try to get there if you can!

The 50th National Oyster Festival is held at the county fairgrounds in Leonardtown, MD. It's one of the oldest in the Chesapeake region. “It was a one day event back in the late ’60s and early ’70s,” said David Taylor, former festival administrator. “At the first festival, they claimed they had 1,000 people, and it was $2 for all you could eat.”

The festival now draws approximately 15,000 people, with more than 75 artists and nonprofit organizations showcasing displays and items for sale, including oysters prepared in just about any way possible. There many activities for children, including small carnival rides, and a nonstop variety of live music on two stages.

The gates are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, no charge for children 12 and under and there is plenty of free parking. The festival events continue, rain or shine, since adequate buildings and tents are provided on the grounds. Proceeds from the Oyster Festival go to local charities.

Directions to the fairgrounds: http://usoysterfest.com/page/directions