Ogeechee Riverkeeper is festively kicking off the New Year with its inaugural Oyster Roast fundraiser, in partnership with the organization’s corporate sponsor, Fish Tales at Fort McAllister Marina. This event will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 at Fort McAllister Marina, 3203 Fort McAllister Road in Richmond Hill.

Local musician Chuck Courtenay will deliver entertainment as guests enjoy a stunning view of the historical Ogeechee River while dining on gulf oysters provided by Central Seafood as well as local oyster clusters. Beer will be provided by Southern Eagle Distributing, and great prizes will be raffled off throughout the evening.

Fish Tales is at the end of the waterway’s seven-mile bend, just a few miles from the Intercostal Waterway and Ossabaw Sound, and a 12-minute boat ride from Coffee Bluff in Savannah.

This event will also provide the unique opportunity for guests to learn about a local oyster cultivation project from a University of Georgia researcher. Local oysters are of the clustered variety; however, many restaurants and oyster lovers prefer single oysters, which typically are found along the Gulf Coast. They can be served on the half shell, unlike Atlantic Coast clustered oysters, and often are thought to have a better texture. UGA’s Shellfish Research Laboratory is working toward Georgia’s first oyster hatchery for a sustainable harvest of single oysters. Proceeds raised from this exciting event will go toward the Ogeechee Riverkeeper’s mission to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin.

“The Oyster Roast is sure to be a fun night and one of our best fundraisers this year,” ORK Executive Director Emily Markesteyn Kurilla said. “Fish Tales is great location to be on the water. Come out and enjoy delicious oysters while supporting the waterway that many Bryan County residents appreciate as a source of recreation, income and pride.” 

Tickets to this event include all-you-can-eat oysters and non-seafood items for “land lubbers,” two beer or wine drink tickets, and entertainment. Tickets may be purchased online in advance for $30 each or $50 per couple. At the door, prices rise to $35 each or $55 per couple. For more information, to learn more about Ogeechee Riverkeeper or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.