Anyone who has ever been involved in creating a large event knows it is a work in progress. Things happen before, during and after that keep the good organizer alert to change. Oyster Festival 2007 promoter Len Rothberg announced at the opening press conference on Aug. 14 at the Oyster Bay Community Center, that the world's largest horse would be there. "I just got confirmation," he told a surprised Cindy Smith, of Image Quest Communications who prepared their press materials. He announced that there would be 25 food vendors. "More or less," commented Food Court Chair Bev Zembko. "Two are leaving." "A restaurant just called," responded Mr. Rothberg - proving that things are flexible and that the festival is still evolving.

The question of what tall ships will be there will be answered - eventually. There will be ships. Surely one will be tall. One thing is sure, the Supervisor's 5 K race will kick off the 24th Oyster Festival. Town Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker was there to confirm it.

Rotary President Jim Fuccio, Esq. said the Oyster Bay Rotarians are proud to give their time and effort to facilitate the Oyster Festival. He added, the Rotary creed is "service above self" which explains their work as a nonprofit group. Rotary itself will benefit from the car raffle, he said. This year they are offering a BMW, a boat with a trailer and engine or $15,000 in cash to the raffle winner. This is the sixth year Rotary is running the car raffle, and they are offering a discount. You can buy six tickets for $100 or one ticket for $20. The raffle chair is Rotarian Debra Goyena of Sherlock Homes. Following tradition, Town Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker bought the first ticket.

Oyster Festival 2007 Chair Judy Wasilchuk said, "This is something you just can't do alone." She acknowledged her co-chair Paul Rosen and Bev Zemko, food court chair, and Mel Warren, crafts chair. Ms. Wasilchuk recounted her first involvement with the Oyster Festival starting when she was with 4-H. With the funds they raised, the 4-H bought backpacks for needy children. "This year Rotary will use some of their profits from the car raffle to buy backpacks for 72 needy children in the community," she added.

Ms. Wasilchuk, Century 21 Laffey Associates branch manager said this year Rotary used their festival profits for a dinner for seniors; and sponsored a dinner for cancer survivors in conjunction with the Relay for Life, a cancer fundraiser.

"More and more nonprofits realized that at the Oyster Festival they could raise money in two days that could be used all year. Non-profits use the money to make the community a better place." She recounted the history of the festival, saying that six years ago the Rotary took over the Oyster Festival from the founding group, the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce. "Rotary changed some things but retained the concept of using the money for scholarships, for the needy, the elderly. There are so many ways people are helped by the money raised at the annual Oyster Festival," she said.

The work on each festival begins as the previous one is wrapped up. "It's an ongoing process," said Ms. Wasilchuk.

Len Rothberg, Oyster Festival promoter, introduced Tony Volpicello, Bank of America Nassau County regional manager, who said it was great for the bank to recognize a good community group with which to work. He said Bank of America set up a tent at last year's Oyster Festival and talked to people and signed up 900 'and change' new customers. "It was a great joint venture and I hope it continues," said Mr. Volpicello.

Len Rothberg said this year the U.S. Merchant Marine training ship Liberator will be giving tours during the Oyster Festival weekend. "The petting zoo will back by popular demand. We are adding elephant and camel rides for the kids - and whoever wants to ride on them. Added to that we have the world's most giant horse," he said.

A new group of pirates will be invading the Oyster Festival - called the Kings of the Coast. They will be set up in a "Pirates Cove" located on the newly renovated Western Waterfront area. There will be several pirate encampments, demonstrations and an interactive treasure hunt for kids with shows twice daily.

This year, actually as a result of last year's food court contest, people will be asked to vote on their favorite food booth and favorite food. Last year people were asked to take part in a cooking contest. It turned out that festival-goers were not interested in bringing food with them to the "food festival." At the last minute creative heads got together and initiated a new contest which they are fine-tuning for this year.

"Patrons will decide which is the best booth and the best food. The contest is sponsored by Whole Foods Market and they will be located in the food court to collect the ballots which will be available at the booths," said Mr. Rothberg.

"We are all about food. We will be tallying the votes," said Chris Ivers, Whole Foods Market of Jericho marketing team leader.

This year's food court will offer local Pine Island oysters: raw, stewed and fried; Frank M. Flower clams: fried, chowdered and on the half-shell; "Secret" sausage recipes, apple pie and much more. Prizes will be awarded, added Len.

Chairman Mel Warren has been working to bring 140 fine crafts to his two huge craft tents again. Dave Relyea of Frank M. Flower & Sons, Inc. will sponsor the Oyster Shucking and Oyster Eating Contests that take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13.

There will be improved shuttle service to the festival as well as more shuttles service inside the festival. The layout of the 2007 festival will be the same as last year. This year there will be a new inflatable arch on the corner of Audrey Avenue and South Street which will be the entrance to the festival. "People will be invited to walk down Audrey Avenue where there will be antique markets and booths set up; go on to visit the carnival; and then walk to the food court and waterfront areas," said Mr. Rothberg.

"There may be buried treasure at Beekman Beach," said Mr. Rothberg. Chair Judy Wasilchuk had more to add - possibilities. She said she was working with two groups of submarine veterans. "Hopefully they will bring a 32-foot replica of the submarine they were on in the military. They will answer questions about life on a submarine. There might possibly be a helicopter landing on Sunday, for the kids to watch. Two years ago a Black Hawk helicopter landed at the festival. Additionally, the Coast Guard may bring a boat that will perform a water show."

All in all, this year's Oyster Festival is looking fresh, new and still traditional. Oct. 13 and 14 should be great days in Oyster Bay!