Funds raised by the festival help the Norwalk Seaport Association maintain the Sheffield Island Lighthouse as well as develop science education classes. The festival is also used as a fundraiser by more than 20 other local non-profit organizations.
The festival has been run by the Norwalk Seaport Association, a non profit organization, since its inception in 1978. Average annual attendance exceeds 90,000. Each year, the Oyster Festival contributes over $5 million to the local economy. [citation needed]
The 29th annual Oyster Festival took place Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10, 2006. Bo Bice, Dion, and Asia were featured performers.[citation needed]
The 30th annual festival took place September 7 to September 9, 2007 with the Village People heading up the entertainment, the band's third appearance. Jay and the Americans were also booked for the event.[1]
The 31st annual festival took place September 5 to September 7, 2008. The festival was called off on Saturday the 6th to accommodate the rain from Hurricane Hanna.[2]Los Lonely Boys performed Friday evening and Kathy Sledge performed Sunday evening.[2]
The 43rd annual event is deferred to 2021 since there was no event in 2020 caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
The 45th annual festival took place on September 8 to September 10, 2023. It was hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by First County Bank. Gary LeVox performed on September 9, 2023. [3]
On September 8, 2013, 17 children and one adult were injured in an amusement ride accident in when a swing ride suffered a mechanical failure. Several injured were transported to Norwalk, Stamford and Bridgeport hospitals. None of the injuries were life-threatening.[4]
Carl PalmerofAsia at the 29th Norwalk Oyster Festival on September 10, 2006
^ abKobak, Steve (2008-09-06). "Hanna has officials thinking twice about continuing Oyster Festival". The Hour. Vol. 137, no. 244. Norwalk, Connecticut. pp. A1.
