We have attended this festival on and off for over 30 years. Great food , great fun..

Originally called "Urbanna Days," the Urbanna Oyster Festival was established to promote the town and it's economy.  In the early years the event was a relatively small gathering of local folks highlighted by a parade comprised primarily of antique cars.

In 1961 the name was officially changed to the "Urbanna Oyster Festival" in recognition and honor of the succulent bivalve that was such an important part of the local economy.  The crowning of a Queen and "Little Miss Spat" (a "spat" is a baby oyster) along with the selection of a grand marshal to honor local or state individuals held in high esteem became an important part of the tradition.

In 1986 the prestigious Friday night Fireman's Parade began a truly exhilarating experience.  In 1988, the General Assembly of Virginia designated the festival as the official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth.  In 1991, the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation was established to produce and manage the annual festival.

The festival has grown and so have the crowds.  Crowds for the two-day event now number nearly 75,000.  Food and craft booths number over 125 and the Fireman's Parade features over 80 engines of every size and description.  The Oyster Festival Parade on Saturday features over 80 units including numerous marching bands, antique cars, locally produced floats and the renowned Khedive Temple Shrine Club of Norfolk.

Find details, schedule, etc on their website here : http://www.urbannaoysterfestival.com/