This year’s World Is Your Oyster Fest (WIYO) took place on October 2, 2025, at the historic B&O Railroad Museum — a venue pivotal to the spread of oysters across the U.S. in the 1800s.
More than 800 guests came together for an unforgettable evening of fresh-shucked oysters, gourmet seafood, hands-on workshops, and an exhilarating shucking competition — all in support of ORP’s mission to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population.
The Impact – Oysters for a Healthier Bay
Just last month, ORP and its partners completed the largest oyster restoration effort in the world — a monumental accomplishment decades in the making. The project culminated in 7 billion oysters planted and 1,300 acres of reefs restored in five Maryland tributaries.
These efforts are transforming the Bay. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that the Bay’s oyster population has tripled over the past 20 years, and commercial watermen have enjoyed four consecutive years of record harvests.
WIYO adds to this momentum. Every oyster enjoyed at the festival — more than 10,000 — will be recycled through ORP’s Shell Recycling Alliance and used to help plant nearly 200,000 new oysters back into the Bay.
Highlights of the Night
The Shucking Competition, sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, featured a third consecutive win by Francisco Lopez of The Walrus Oyster & Ale House, who shucked 12 oysters in just 86 seconds.
Hosted beneath the glow of the brand-new Schurick Shuck Truck & Trailer, guests honed their skills at Shuck Like a Pro workshops presented by Flywheel Digital, then sipped, slurped, and painted oyster portraits with Annapolis artist Kim Hovell.
The evening also featured remarks from:
- Kate Charbonneau, Assistant Secretary of Aquatic Resources, Maryland DNR
- Kevin Atticks, Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture
- Tighe Merkert, ORP Board Chair
Ward Slacum, ORP’s Executive Director, presented the Pearl of the Chesapeake Award to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Laboratory and hatchery staff for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing Bay restoration science.
A Chesapeake Feast
The night offered a true Chesapeake smorgasbord: oysters on the half shell, grilled and topped oysters, buffalo fried oysters, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster rolls, seared scallops, grilled shrimp skewers, mini crab melts, and more. For those who prefer turf to surf, there were kona-crusted filet medallions over mashed potatoes, prime rib sliders plus ice cream!
Thank You, Sponsors & Partners
WIYO 2025 was made possible through the generous support of BIG Shucking Deal Sponsors Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Flywheel Digital, as well as Platinum Sponsors Constellation Energy and CSX Transportation.
The event brought together:
- 12 oyster farms
- 16 artisan vendors
- 17 beverage companies
- 19 restaurants and food vendors
- 31 sponsors
- 33 volunteers
This incredible lineup showcased the power of community, everyone contributing to a healthier Chesapeake Bay.
Looking Ahead
The momentum continues as ORP expands oyster restoration efforts into new areas across the Bay. Keep an eye on upcoming oyster events and spread the word on social media — and don’t forget to tag @oysterrecovery!
Thank you to all the oyster lovers and Bay champions who are part of this movement to restore the Chesapeake Bay — one oyster at a time.
