The Shuck and Suck Oyster Festival on Virginia’s Eastern Shore has something for everyone, landlubbers and mariners alike. On the land side, the Shriner’s Parade is the big attraction. Shriners are known for mixing fun with good works, a laudable life balance and last Saturday morning they delighted kids and adults alike at the annual Shriner’s Parade down Mason Avenue in Cape Charles, a big part of this colorful Festival. Led by the color guard from the USCG station, followed by Mayor Smitty Dize and local Fire Department vehicles ( including the impressive tanker truck aptly named “Big Water” ), the Shriners brought a sense of joy and lightheartedness to a beautiful breezy summer morning. The little cars and little trucks are personal favorites, the incongruity of seeing these great big guys zooming around in these teeney, tiny vehicles absolutely tickles my funny bone.
Of course, the cause they are marching to raise awareness of is deadly serious. The Shriner’s mission is to support the 22 Shriner’s Hospitals which sponsor cutting edge research and offer innovative medical care to children suffering from acute burns, serious orthopedic problems, lip and cleft palate and spinal injuries. For children in need, it’s provided absolutely free of charge. So it was great to see them in Town again Saturday, their own Color Guard, the clowns, the tall pirate ship, the HeeHaw gang, antique cars, motorcycle contingent and of course the big guys driving the tiny cars and tractor trailers, all parading down Bay and Mason Avenues to the applause of the crowds gathered along the route to cheer them on.
Although the Parade is a big part of the Annual Shuck and Suck Oyster Festival, over at Oyster Farm Marina, the Smith Island Skiff races featuring tiny skiffs racing at amazing speeds along a difficult course in King’s Creek, the Annual Boat Docking contest, Oyster and Clam Eating Contests, numerous bands, fireworks are huge favorites and generate lots of excitement each year. So if you missed it this year, mark it on your August calendar for next, loads of fun to be had for all.
