Hundreds enjoy Oyster Roast

A large crowd enjoyed the fifth annual Oyster Roast, held recently at The Trolley Barn. The event is a fundraiser for Waterworks Visual Arts Center. Submitted photo.

Mary James selects a beverage at the fifth annual Oyster Roast, held recently at The Trolley Barn. The event is a fundraiser for Waterworks Visual Arts Center. Submitted photo.

Traci Donaldson holds a gift basket she won in the raffle. This gourmet food gift basket was donated by A Step in Time. Submitted photo.

Freddie Lancaster of Big Daddy's serves up steamy oysters at the fifth annual Oyster Roast, a Waterworks fundraiser held at The Trolley Barn Jan. 23. Submitted photo.

Last Saturday, Jan. 23, Waterworks hosted its fifth annual Oyster Roast and Pirate's Treasure Chest raffle at the F& M Trolley Barn.

About 450 people attended the event, which is the major fundraiser for the center's education and outreach programs

The evening was presented by Shari and Bill Graham and catered by Big Daddy's of Lake Norman.

The menu included steamed oysters and shrimp, as well as Brunswick stew and Chick-fil-A chicken bites. Beverages were provided by Cheerwine Bottling Co. and Silver Eagle Distributors. An ice cream bar was provided by Curt and Geri's Dairy Bar. New this year was the Koko Java Coffee Bar.

Event sponsors included F&M Bank, Cloninger Ford-Toyota-Scion, Lynn and Fred Dula, Blake and Linn Evans, Tracy and John McMillin, Elizabeth and Owen Norvell, Luanne and Chip Short, Walser Technology Group, Kristen and Steve Colwell, Bethany and Don Fortner, Jille and Chris Nagy, Rowan Investment Company, Barb and Cliff Sorel, Lynn and Paul Weisler, Susan and Robert Whitaker.

Additional support came from Elizabeth and John Brady, Brenda and Mark Byrd, Lynn and Tyler Frick, Sarah and Robert McMillin, Tina and Vance Merhoff, Queen's Gifts, Gayle and Robert Richmond, Shaver Wood Products, Summit Developers, Jamie and John Webb, Nancy and Tim Wyrick

The event was co-chaired by Tracy McMillin and Lori Burke, with the help of: Capri Brixey, Kristen Colwell, Raymond Coltrain, Blake Evans, Suzanne Roakes, and Tom Wolpert

Volunteers included students from local and regional colleges and universities, Junior ROTC cadets, staff, event committee members, and Board members.

Local artist Lori Goodnight created the original Watercolor "Mermaid" art for the poster.

Guests received the 2010 signature apron (green) along with beverage coolies

The Pirate's Treasure Chest raffle included original art, Pawley's Island Hammocks, Lunch for a Year to an assortment of local establishments, handmade jewelry by local artisans, Stock your Freezer entrees from local gourmet food shops, service packages ranging from health and wellness to routine household maintenance, as well as tickets to next year's Oyster Roast, to be held on January 22, 2011.