The Narooma oyster festival returns for its 18th year, featuring Australia's Biggest Oyster competition. Scheduled for May 3, this year's event draws attention after last year's champion oyster, Jill, weighing 3.01kg, passed away shortly after her title was secured. Competitors must be live and meet strict standards, ensuring a fair contest. Up to 65,000 oysters will be enjoyed throughout the festival, making it a significant event for both farmers and oyster enthusiasts. The Connell family continues to participate, hoping their oysters will take the title this year.
This year's entrants will be weighed on Saturday, and it is customary for a vet to be present at the weigh-in, to ensure all competitors show signs of life.
Jill, who was nurtured for nearly a decade by oyster farmer Bernie Connell at Batemans Bay, died shortly after claiming the title.
The Connell family, which has been in the oyster business for 95 years, is still in the running, with their oyster Big Boppa placing second last year.
Over the three days of the festival, 65,000 oysters are expected to be harvested, shucked and enjoyed.
Collection
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