Submitted

“Experience Local” is the focus of this year’s Oyster Roast, the first big party of the 2018 season to be held on Saturday, January 27^th. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., revelers will enter the event through the front doors of Waterworks Visual Arts Center, and follow the crowd into the F&M Trolley Barn, where a bountiful spread of delectable delights awaits their consumption. Mounds of steamed oysters for shucking and shrimp for peeling, by Big Daddy’s of Lake Norman, plus locally-famous College Barbecue and numerous side dishes are sure to satisfy every taste. Local ales, wine, Cheerwine and soft drinks will flow all evening, and Cold Stone Creamery of Salisbury will dish up some fine ice cream for dessert. Steam billowing into the cold night’s air from the oyster wagons just outside the Trolley Barn will provide the perfect ambiance around the evening’s festivities. There will be dancing to the rhythms of music provided by local D.J. Errin Brown of Virtual Sounds, until 11:30 p.m.

The Oyster Roast is one of two major, annual fundraisers benefitting educational and outreach programs at Waterworks Visual Arts Center. Having fun while supporting the ARTS is surely reason enough to attend, however the Silent Auction may be the biggest incentive of all! This year’s offerings include an exclusive designer handbag for the smartly-attired woman, a chic handcrafted bracelet, and uniquely beautiful ceramics for the home. There’s bound to be a rush to take home an authentic “Hotdog Shack” bench and coordinating lunch basket chalk full of meal components. Look for overstuffed, themed baskets – designed for fitness enthusiasts and also filled with fun, educational children’s games by Melissa & Doug. Imagine winning a lunch-a-week for a year at local Rowan County eateries – now that’s a stress buster for sure! Maybe you will relax with tickets to one of the year’s most fun, local events. These are but a sampling of what Oyster Roast attendees will find at the auction.

Tickets are $85 per person for all you can eat, drink and dance. Waterworks members pay only $80. Tickets may be purchased anytime online at www.waterworks.org, or come by Waterworks, 123 East Liberty St. in Salisbury, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.