‘It’s quite an experience’: Waterworks Oyster Roast was a sold out event

Published 12:10 am Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Karen Kistler

karen.kistler@salisburypost.com

 

SALISBURY — It’s fun!

That was the consensus of those attending the 2025 Waterworks Oyster Roast fundraiser, whether it was their first time or they had been attending for multiple years.

The line, which formed early around the Waterworks Visual Art Center, wrapped around the building as people waited to get inside for the food and fun, which served as a fundraiser for the center, with proceeds benefiting educational and outreach programs provided to the community by Waterworks. This was the nonprofit’s 19th year to hold the event, which raised a loose net income of $30,000 more or less, said Anne Scott Clement, executive director of Waterworks Visual Arts Center.

“We sold out of tickets and welcomed 368 attendees, many returning friends and a number of first timers, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she said.

Standing in line waiting and seeing the large crowd, Patricia Rathmell, a first-time attendee, said she was “getting excited.”

New to the area, she and husband Richard, who said he was an oyster fan, had been treated to tickets from a friend.

“She is trying to introduce us to everything Salisbury has to offer,” said Patricia Rathmell.

Once inside, their friend Sandra Stanton joined them at a table, along with others.

Stanton said this was her third year to attend and each year has invited people to come with her to the event, noting that she likes supporting the arts.

Another first-timer, Hugo Dunham, who was there with friends, said he came because he is “always looking for a good time and something to do with good friends.”

Donna Roper, who was also attending for the first time said she came because she “thought it was a good cause, a good event, and to get out and meet more people.”

Once inside the Waterworks Visual Art Center and F&M Trolley Barn and seeing the large group gathered and hearing the music playing, Roper said seeing the community out was “very inspiring. There’s just a lot of energy, positive energy” and that it was very nice.

She added, with a smile, that there were “a lot of oysters being shucked.”

Bushels of oysters were in fact being shucked by oyster-lovers throughout the evening.

Richard Rathmell said as they were preparing to come in, he saw a hand truck loaded down with lots of bags of oysters.

Washington Crab Company served as the caterer who was onsite steaming the fresh oysters and shrimp.

Becky Roughton, catering manager, said they had 30 bushels to steam this year. Shortly after 8 p.m., she said they had served 27 of those bushels. This amount was up from the previous event when she said the group went through 19 bushels.

In addition to the seafood and sides of coleslaw, macaroni and cheese and potatoes, pork barbecue from College Barbecue, ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery and wine, beer and other select beverages are provided by United Beverage of North Carolina and Cheerwine.

As Salisbury Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield waited in line, she said that she came prepared with her own bottle of Texas Pete and therefore was ready for the meal.

Not only Salisbury residents attend the oyster roast, but those from neighboring cities look forward to it as well.

Mark and Renee Goodnight of Kannapolis returned this year to enjoy the evening. With a bucket of the oysters and some sauce, the pair was ready to begin. 

Renee said that husband Mark “loves oysters. This is one of his favorite things all year long and looks forward to it.”

The oysters are also a favorite of Marnie Stoker of Concord, who was there for her fourth year.

“I just love oysters and they’re really good,” she said.

In addition to the food, she also enjoyed the music and the dancing which rounded out the evening and “the camaraderie with the other people. It’s just a fun night. It’s like a big party,” she added.

Gloria Cline from Mocksville, who was also a first-time attendee, said the event was wonderful.

“It’s quite an experience. Everybody needs to try it at least once,” she said.

When asked if the oysters were her favorite part, Cline said, “yes, absolutely, one after the other, as fast as I can shuck them.”

Tickets were purchased to enjoy the food and beverages, and those wishing to participate in the raffles and bourbon tasting had to purchase those tickets separately.

The two raffles that were offered included a bourbon mania and a second for the ladies which included shopping, fine art and a salon package, all donated from downtown Salisbury businesses.

Volunteers manned a table and others strolled around the room with signs providing information about the raffles.

Katie Setzer Lipscomb, a member of the Waterworks board, who was helping advertise the ladies’ package, said they were very generous donors.

She also shared how proud she is of what Waterworks does and that she loves doing what she does “for the access to the children. Every student in Rowan County will come through here this year,” she said.

The winner of the ladies raffle basket, valued at $925, was Russ Weiker; and the bourbon winners were Bobby Honeycutt, Mike Doran, Sara Clymer and Bill Greene.

Suzanne Casey, one of the sponsors, was there with boyfriend Bryce Beard and her family at one of the tables. 

She said it is for her love of Waterworks that she chose to sponsor the fundraiser. Plus, she said she loves oysters.

“I love Waterworks Art Gallery. It’s so special to Salisbury, We’re very fortunate to have Anne-Scott Clement,” she said.

At the conclusion of the event, Clement said that Washington Crab Co. reported that 29 bushels of oysters and more than 100 pounds of shrimp were consumed. Cold Stone Creamery served 60 pounds of ice cream and College Barbecue, who donates all the hickory-smoked barbecue, brought 100 pounds.

Clement shared “a big thank you to our event sponsors. We are so appreciative of their investment in Waterworks, many who have sponsored this event since its inception in 2006.

These included presenting sponsors Pearl — Suzanne Casey, Cloninger Ford, F&M Bank, SALCOA and Salisbury Post; Oyster — Central Carolina Insurance, Nancy and Fred Dula, Fisher Companies, Debbie Lucas/Rick Lewis, United Beverage of NC and Wallace Family Foundation; Raker – College Barbecue, Bethany and Don Fortner, Salisbury Motor Company and Lynn and Paul Weisler.

She also noted others who provided additional support including Barnhardt Jewelers, Caniche, Anne Scott and Donny Clement, Tim Coffey Photography, Fine Frame Gallery, Griffin Marketing Group, Kiwanis Club of Salisbury, Oxford & Lee, Salisbury Emporium, Salisbury Salon & Spa, The Lettered Lily and Caroline and Russ Weiker

Clement added thanks to “everyone who attended, we are most grateful to you for attending this incredible event, not only to enjoy some great food and fellowship, but to support Waterworks mission to provide diverse opportunities in the visual arts for all to enjoy.”

We also want to thank a special group that we call the Waterworks Visionaries who support the Waterworks all year long, Clement said These include F&M Bank, Susan and Edward Norvell, David Post, Debbie Lucas and Rick Lewis, SALCOA Contracting, Marianna and David Swaim and Anderson Dental Group

“To all our donors and supporters, your commitment to the Waterworks is most appreciated,” she said.

Clement also encouraged people to save the date for next year’s event which will be Saturday, Jan. 24.