Shellabration, the North Fork’s ode to all things shellfish, returns for another season in Greenport Village, the weekend of December 7 and 8, from noon to 4 p.m. each day. Wristbands and sponsorship packages are now available and will give participants access to Greenport’s establishments to enjoy local shellfish, sustainable seafood, and wine and beer pairings during a weekend-long restaurant walk.
New for this year, a VIP preparty the evening of December 6 will be hosted for all sponsors at Little Creek Oyster’s brand-new space, located at 211 Carpenter Street. Little Creek will join Greenport Brewery and First and South as the check-in locations for the event, where “Shellabrants” can pick up their wristband packages from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A complimentary pairing of Borghese’s Rosé for the Bays or a pour of Greenport Brewing beer will be provided along with a raw bar selection generously provided by local growers from Oysterponds Shellfish Co., Little Ram Oysters, Happy Oyster Co., Founders Oysters, Peconic Gold, Cornell Oysters, Yennicott Oysters, and Peeko Oyster Co.
All proceeds generated from wristband sales will support Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s shellfish restoration and community stewardship projects, specifically the SPAT (Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training) Program and the Back to the Bays Initiative. Proceeds from this event in the past have allowed CCE to officially establish a Greenport Back to the Bays Stewardship Site. This designated area will serve as a long-term receiving area for eelgrass plantings, shellfish seedings, and establishment of a new oyster reef in 2025.
Participating restaurants will offer those wearing official Shellabration wristbands access to $8 small plate menu items featuring local seafood, paired with $5 tasting pours of Long Island wine, craft beer, and spirits. Additionally, local shops will be offering special promotions for Shellabration participants.
Kimberly Barbour, Back to the Bays Director said in a press release, “Both Back to the Bays and SPAT are coming up on big anniversary years in 2025 (10 and 25 years, respectively) and it’s thanks in part to this event that we have been able to expand our reach and positive impact on the health of our local bays. The proceeds from sponsorships, wristband sales, and donations at the event help keep our important work funded. We are so appreciative of the Greenport restaurants and merchants, along with the local fishing, aquaculture, viticulture, and craft brewing industry communities who make this event such a success.”
“Shellabrants” will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dishes as part of “Best of Shellabration Awards” and there will be “Shella-Bingo” boards at check-in for a chance to win prizes. Education and outreach goals of the event will be expanded by screening some educational media pieces at the North Fork Arts Center throughout the weekend, and featuring representatives from the Long Island Oyster Growers Association to help the public gain an understanding and appreciation of how oysters are produced locally.
Wristbands should be reserved in advance because they do sell out every year. The cost is $35 for full weekend admission, and $25 for Sunday only. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available at shellabrationcce.org.
Staff Writer on Nov 22, 2024