Huge Turnout For 2021 Norwalk Oyster Festival: Event Officials

NORWALK, CT — Oyster Festival Chairman Mike Reilly said the 43rd annual event likely saw record-breaking levels of attendance this year following the event's cancelation in 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

While he acknowledged it was still too early to say exactly how many people attended the festival, Reilly said this year's turnout was the best in years.

"We had a fantastic turnout," Reilly said. "Just an unbelievable turnout; close to record-breaking."

The festival, hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by First County Bank, took place over the weekend at the 35-acre Veteran's Memorial Park, offering food, fun and live entertainment for guests.

Reilly, who also serves as president of the Seaport Association, said it was great to be outside among the guests, enjoying a lobster roll and working with around 1,000 volunteers to keep things running smoothly.

"It feels great to get to do the festival again," Reilly said. "People really wanted to get out and enjoy the outside on a 30-acre field on the water in Norwalk to celebrate our maritime heritage and celebrate Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and that's what all of our fundraising goes to. The Seaport Association owns Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and the funds that come from the Oyster Festival help support and maintain a 153-year-old lighthouse. That's what we're all about."

While last year's festival was ultimately canceled in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, this year's event adhered to a number of safety protocols, Reilly said.

"Every ride had a sanitizer on it," Reilly said. "All of our vendors and booths had a sanitizing kit with masks, shields if they wanted it, sanitizer and hand wipes. We did a lot of extra cleaning."

According to Norwalk Police Sgt. Salvatore Calise, the large crowds drawn by the festival did not lead to any traffic-related incidents.

"The Oyster Festival went very smooth," Calise said, "with really no issues to speak of."

Planning for next year's event is already underway, as the festival team usually meets the day after to discuss what worked and where improvements could be made while it is still fresh in their minds, Reilly said.

He also thanked the many volunteers who helped make the festival possible this year, as well as the crowds of people who attended.

"It's just a great event," Reilly said. "It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun and people really care about it."