By Lanier Laney
In 2006, a small group of parents got together and decided to start a fundraiser to help fund necessary and important items for St. Peter’s Catholic School that were outside the normal budget. Examples at the time were needs for the athletic program, high-dollar technology items, an outdoor basketball court and drama equipment.
Doug Massalon and Matthew Hurtt had the idea to start an Oyster Roast and Microbrew Festival. For the first one, 200 people came. Jon Rembold remembers, “I was an attendant at the first one and had such a good time I was immediately sold on the idea and joined the core committee!”
Seven festivals later and it has grown in size and scope to be one of the great spring events for the whole family, including a children’s Fun Court, live bands, tons of fresh steamed oysters, a great silent auction and probably the largest number of international microbrew offerings (more than 50) of any festival in the Lowcountry.
Doug Massalon of Bill’s Liquors and Fine Wines (the event’s primary sponsor) used his knowledge of the best microbrews to really catapult the event into a “must attend.”
This year’s event, even though rained out the day before, had the largest number of attendees ever — more than 1,500 people. And Sea Eagle Market did an amazing job, literally shoveling hundreds of oysters into the half dozen huge steamers to constantly keep the “all you can eat” tables filled with some of the best fresh oysters on the East Coast — all from local waters.
A big pat on the back and “job well done” goes to The Oyster Roast Committee this year: Douglas Massalon, Matthew Hurtt, Michael Brock, Richard & Jean Jennings, Jon Rembold, Doug Hamilton, Joe Trpcic and Mike Fowlkes.
The money raised this year is being used for a new irrigation source for the athletic field, additional spectator seating, and other athletic infrastructure needs.
Special thanks, to all the volunteers and the sponsors, and the people who donated the great silent auction items and to all the folks who attended, for helping the children of Beaufort.
Speaking of sponsorships, it’s not too early to get involved in next year’s event in March, which I’m sure will be even bigger and better than ever. For details call (843) 227-1280 or (843) 522-2163.
JSLB Prom Boutique a win
The JSLB Prom Boutique was a win, especially for all the young ladies who showed up and selected free prom dresses. Those hardworking gals at Junior Service League have done a great job helping the Beaufort community again. Local high school juniors and seniors spent the afternoon selecting their perfect dress, shoes and accessories.
The Junior Service League of Beaufort has been working on this project for more than a year. Thanks to the generosity of community members, more than 200 dresses were donated to the Prom Boutique. A big special thanks goes to JSLB Prom Boutique committee: Shannon Brown,Anna Edwards, Delene Miller, Emily Harris (JSLB President), Gloria Duryea, Carson Bruce (co-chair), Elizabeth Klosterman (co-chair), Lorin Siegel, Ashley Hutchison, Jessica Rhodes and Jen Pearce. And also to Erin Demers of Studio B Dance Centre who graciously donated the space for the event. Go to www.jslbeaufort.org to learn more about the league and all the great work they do and how to get involved.
