By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Stick the knife in and twist. And that’s all you need to know about shucking an oyster.
Novices and pros gathered Saturday for the fourth annual Waterworks Oyster Roast at the F&M Trolley Barn.
The event raised $30,000 for educational programs at Waterworks Visual Arts Center.
“We are all about education and that’s our primary purpose,” said Waterworks board President Alan Burke.
Burke was pleased with the turnout, even though other events were going on in Salisbury the same night, including a Piedmont Players performance and the Salisbury Symphony.
This year, organizers expected about 450 people to attend.
There was also a raffle with 16 items given away.
First-time participants Curt & Geri’s Dairy Bar served up make-your-own-sundaes.
Co-organizers Anne Scott Clement and Tracy McMillen were excited over the turnout as well.
The seafood was provided by Big Daddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar of Lake Norman. It’s the fourth year the restaurant, located in Mooresville, has provided the seafood.
Owner Freddie Lancaster said he brought 100 bushels, or 14,400 oysters, and 300 pounds of shrimp.
“We enjoy it for them. It’s a fundraiser and a lot of people who eat here come to eat with us at the restaurant,” he said.
There were about 12-15 workers steaming oysters and shrimp and shucking oysters at a large spread inside the Trolley Barn.
Lori Burke and Kristen Colwell also co-chaired this event.
Next year’s roast will be Jan. 23.
For more information about Waterworks, go to http://www.waterworks.org/