Local History: Oysterfest

Rides, shopping, live music, and an annual oyster-eating contest. It’s easy to see why OysterFest is a beloved tradition for many locals and tourists alike. Now a well-known four-day festival drawing tens of thousands of people each year, it’s come a long way from its humble origins.

The year was 1979. McDonald’s premiered their Happy Meals, the Sony Walkman was a must-have, and The Knack’s “My Sharona” spent six weeks at number one. Somewhere tucked along the Gulf Coast was a small community named Fulton.

The late Leslie Cole founded Fulton’s Volunteer Fire Department in 1948. 31 years later, in 1979, he had one primary goal: to raise enough money so the department could purchase the “jaws of life,” life-saving equipment that was quickly becoming the new standard.

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A few dozen neighbors huddled around picnic tables for a small, two-day event. Leslie’s vision and determination not only met his goal, ensuring the small community didn’t fall behind while keeping their residents safe, but no one had any idea how much of an impact his decision would have on the community.

Over the years, the festival's proceeds have become the primary source of funding for the Volunteer Fire Department, enabling the purchase of new equipment and vehicles, investments in training, and the construction of a new station.

Beyond the financial advancements, the Fulton OysterFest promotes community engagement. Outside of socializing with our peers, local musicians are given a stage, and the residential artists have an opportunity to showcase their work to thousands of guests. Vendors and sponsors can take a step to establish their brands, while local businesses experience a surge in traffic.

It’s hard to imagine the Coastal Bend without the OysterFest. The festival has grown into a four-day event, become a part of our community’s identity, and created hundreds of thousands of memories that span generations, all because one great man had an idea.