More than 150 years ago, Theodore Roosevelt—the 26th President of the United States—was born to a wealthy family that summered in Oyster Bay not far from the waterfront property that today bears his name. To honor his memory, community leaders organized a parade to celebrate his 125th birthday. The parade proved so successful that it provided the roots of what would become the Oyster Festival in 1983.
Today the Oyster Festival is a much-awaited annual event that consistently attracts more than 200,000 visitors. Its continued success is due to the dedication of members of the Rotary Club of Oyster Bay who are committed to this event year-round and to the members of the Long Island business community that sponsor the event.
This year’s festival—the 33rd—is made possible in part by title sponsor Verizon.
“Each year this event offers us a great opportunity to engage with many consumers and demonstrate the superior value of our products and services,” said Patrick A. Lespinasse, Verizon’s director of State Government Affairs. “It also allows us to give back to the local community through our continuing work with the non-profits to fight hunger on Long Island. We look forward to seeing so many of you during the festival.”
