18th Oysters & Oldies will be held at Roanoke Farm December 6

NORTHUMBERLAND—Tickets are on sale for St. Stephen’s 18th annual Oysters & Oldies Christmas oyster roast from 12:30-3:30 p.m December 6 at Roanoke Farm, 6108 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville. 

Oysters & Oldies is St. Stephen’s second largest fundraiser after the Strawberry Festival, reported organizer Bill Kirby. Proceeds are donated to local charitable and community organizations.

More than $180,000 has been raised since the event’s inception in 2007, he said. Last year’s donations included the Healthy Harvest Food Bank, Northern Neck – Middlesex Free Health Clinic, Interfaith, Northern Neck Hospice Support Services, The Link, The Haven, Callao Volunteer Fire Department, Callao Rescue Squad, Mid-County Rescue Squad, Smith Point Sea Rescue, Northumberland Chapter of American Red Cross, Northumberland Public Library, Northumberland Family YMCA and Habitat for Humanity.

Oysters & Oldies will feature local wild-caught oysters supplied by Purcell Seafood. The “all-you-can-eat menu” will offer roasted or freshly shucked oysters, St. Stephen’s oyster roast chili, hot dogs, desserts, hot and cold drinks. Wine and a selection of Virginia craft beers will also be available.

“The event has really grown over the years and become a tradition for many folks in the region who return year after year. It involves everyone in the congregation to help pull off such a large event,” said Kirby. “It’s hard work, but it’s also a great party; and it feels good to know that the money raised will be used to help do good things in the community.”

Historic Roanoke Farm is recognized as a Virginia Century Farm—one that has operated for at least 100 consecutive years. Owned by A. Mason Brent, the farm has been in the Brent family for more than 175 years. 

In addition to the oyster roast, music lovers of all ages will be “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to original classic oldies and Christmas “chestnuts” from the 40s through the 90s. A 50/50 cash raffle also will be held.

The event is held rain or shine, with plenty of covered seating in the event of wet weather. Tickets are $45, ages 11 and younger eat free. Tickets may be purchased at St. Stephen’s Thrift Shop, 6853 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville, or ststephensheathsville.org/oyster-roast.