Oyster Fest No. 37 opens Friday night in Norwalk

The 37th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival kicks off on Friday, from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday”™s hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday”™s are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The event will once again hold its popular oyster slurping contest, including business leaders, local dignitaries and two contestants chosen from the audience. The contest is at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Those set to slurp and cast dignity to the salty breeze include Joe Madafari, athletic director at Brien McMahon High School and the two-time slurping champion; Doug Hempstead, president of the Norwalk Common Council; Travis Simms, Common Council member and former World Boxing Association light middleweight champion; Mayor Harry Rilling; state Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk; Shannon Giandurco, Common Council member; Tom Kulhawik, Norwalk police chief; Artie Kassimis, Board of Education member; Rick McQuaid, town clerk and a former slurping champion; John Bonora, senior vice president, First County Bank; state Rep. Gail Lavielle, R-Wilton; Denis McCarthy, Norwalk fire chief; and U.S. Rep Jim Hines.

The slurping event is in front of the Oyster Pavilion.

Scott Stapp of Creed takes the main stage Friday night. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts take the main stage at 9. p.m. Saturday. The U.S. Army band The Volunteers plays Sunday, 1 p.m. The Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra plays at 4 p.m. Sunday.