All roads lead to Karuah this Saturday 15 October for the annual Oyster and Timber Festival.

There’s something for everyone, from woodchopping events to junior fishing competitions, market stalls, a duck race and of course the oysters.
“We have a big display, we have all different growing methods on show,” Oyster farmer Steve Cole, told the News Of The Area.

Local suppliers, Steve and brother Dean also have a variety of oyster concoctions for the connoisseur, from Japanese style to Au Naturale.
But if you’re really into your oysters, then take a punt and enter the all important oyster eating competition.

“You put your name in the barrell and if it’s pulled out you get the chance to compete to be the quickest person to eat a dozen oysters in the quickest time,” said Steve.
If you make it to the finals, you have to eat 2 dozen oysters, the quickest to swallow the slippery little suckers wins 7 nights accommodation at the BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park.
“Last year it took the winner around 40 seconds,” said Steve.

Cole Bros is a family owned business, comprising brothers, wives and children all lending a hand.

In the run up to the Festival, they’ll have to farm between 15 hundred and 2 thousand dozen oysters to keep up with demand.

The entire town of Karuah digs deep and supports the event, which has become a major tourist attraction for the area – benefiting both local business and local not for profit organisations and charities.

By Margie TIERNEY