Check out these great Festival highlights for 2009:

The Incredible Food Court, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union

The Oyster Festival Food Court is a prized local tradition. Long Island chefs compete with food-service pros and determined local amateur cooks to produce plate after plate: stews and gumbos, fritters and papusas, burgers and small bites. And of course the freshest oysters, shrimp and mussels anywhere. Gourmets and gourmands split their differences and chow down together. Over 25 booths offering hundreds of items any one of which can win The Whole Foods Market “Best of the Food Court Contest.”  Don’t forget to eat and vote!  All proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations.

Tall ships and other vessels

Tall ships bobbing gracefully on the harbor is a sight cherished by two generations of Festival guests. This year, the fleet welcomes two newcomers, a local hard-working tugboat Cornell constructed in Jacobson’s Shipyard, right here in Oyster Bay and a truly beautiful tall ship Clipper City! While you are here, don’t miss the U.S.S. Growler and U.S.S. Liberator from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. Free ship tours- Waterfront – West End Ave.

Optimum Presents the Ultimate Air Dog Competition

Optimum, the Ultimate Air Dogs and the United Kennel Club bring a collection of some of the country’s most impressive dock-diving canines. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds will amaze crowds as they compete against each other taking leaps off a 40-foot dock and pool in “Ultimate Air” mixing long-distance diving with rounds of competition called “Splashes.” Also, check out “Fetch It” - A combination both height and distance.  Measures how far a dog can jump while grabbing a bumper suspended 4' above the water and ‘Catch-It’. Joining the Air Dogs, but staying safe and dry, will be special Celebrity Guest Dog SCOOBY DOO at the Optimum tent adjacent to the completion!

Saturday and Sunday. (Dogs must be pre-registered to participate at www.ultimateairdogs.net)
Free. Location: Theodore Roosevelt Park

The Pirates Return! Presented by Tutor Time Child Care / Learning Centers Yo Ho Ho…Back for their fourth year, by popular demand is our band of fun-loving buccaneers, the “Kings of the Coast.” As in years past they’ve gotten wind of treasure buried in the vicinity and they don’t plan to leave without unearthing it. Aargh matey!  Free. Shows two times daily at 1PM and 3PM. Pirate Encampment:  West End Ave. Note to Parents: These are family-friendly, toddler-approved interactive pirates. Bring the kids and join in on the treasure hunts. And while you're here, check out our expanded and improved Children's Entertainment Area, featuring an assortment of fun animals to pet. And don’t miss the camel ride!

Verizon Entertainment Stages: - Two great stages, twice the fun!

Enjoy the delicious offerings in the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Food Court and listen to the sounds of our always outstanding local bands. When you head over to the waterfront area check out the new Verizon West End Ave. Frontier stage where you’ll find:

• Chris McDaniel and his One-man Wild West Show. Rope tricks, bullwhip artistry and frontier magic. A former Texas Skip World Champion, Chris puts on quite a show.
• Home Grown String Band. This Long Island family channels American roots music from Appalachia and beyond: fiddle tunes, reels, old-timey and more. Don’t miss their flat-shoe dancing display: think Fred Astaire in Kentucky.
• Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary Birds-of-Prey Demonstration. Meet the carnivorous birds that rule the sky. Raptors, hawks, owls and falcons top the food chain, swooping through the sky in endless search of prey. Learn how to identify these birds and you’ll gain a new appreciation of their adaptations and habitats.

Check the entertainment schedule for more information and specific show times. Free. West End Ave. and Food Court.

Best of the Food Court Contest, sponsored by Whole Foods Market

Who rules the Food Court? After your purchase, visit Whole Foods booth and vote for best bite.  Winners will be announced Sunday afternoon. Their prize?  Food Court bragging rights!

2nd Annual Oyster Bay Oyster Festival Regatta (pdf)

Held under the auspices of the Oyster Bay Marine Center, the racing is close with exciting starts.  Races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM. Start times vary, depending on wind conditions.
Free. Location: Western Waterfront