Club preps for oyster roast
Published 10:11 pm Wednesday, March 2, 2016
It’s time for the Chuckatuck Ruritan Club’s biggest party — and fundraiser — of the year.
Organizers are hoping to sell 1,050 tickets to the club’s 40th annual oyster roast on April 14, said Ruritan Kirk Pretlow.
The event is at the Kirk Farm, off Everets Road, and kicks off with a social from 3 to 4 p.m. The all-you-can-eat roasted oysters are served up from 4 to 6 p.m.
“We have regulars who come from Richmond and other places out of town every year,” said Pretlow. “It’s the first event of the season, and people always seem to have a good time. We are hoping to have a sellout crowd this year.”
With more than 200 bushels of roasted oysters and 120 gallons of homemade clam chowder, patrons are guaranteed good food and company, Pretlow said. Beverages, crackers and cocktail sauce are also provided.
It takes all of the club’s members — along with few extra volunteers and paid helpers — to cook and prepare for the oyster roast, Pretlow said. The night before, they set up the site and get their ingredients ready to start cooking early the next morning.
“We donate all the money we raise back into the community,” said Pretlow.
Proceeds from the oyster roast will provide donations to the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department, Suffolk Meals on Wheels and Crittenden-Hobson-Eclipse Ruritan Club for the annual fireworks celebration on July 4, Pretlow said.
“We are a big sponsor of Scouting,” Pretlow said. The Chuckatuck Ruritans also contribute to local Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops.
The organization provides an annual scholarship to a local student, Pretlow said.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate, if they are still available, Pretlow said.
The Chuckatuck Ruritan Club is always on the lookout for new members, Pretlow added.
Tickets are available at Dwight Bradshaw’s dental practice, Pretlow & Jackson Law, and from any member of the Chuckatuck Ruritan Club.