Great sound bites abounded as Oyster Festival 2004 was announced on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Western Waterfront Pier. The winning message was that Oyster Festival 2004 will attempt to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for oyster eating. That will mean a change in the way the oysters are prepared. For the previous contest, they were off-the- shell and served in plates and cups. This year the oysters will be presented on the half shell to conform to the rules of the Guinness Book of World Records. Len Rothberg, Oyster Festival manager said the Guinness record was set in 2001 when John Wright ate 92 oysters on the half shell in three minutes.

The festival committee is hoping that several local restaurants will run mini oyster eating contests to pick winners who will then go on to compete, bringing with them their own group of cheerleaders to stimulate enthusiasm for the contest. (The South Street Café has already committed to the mini-contest.) The competition will take place on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at the mainstage on the WaterFront Center lawn. "We are going to invite past champions to compete," said Mr. Rothberg.

The Oyster Bay Rotary will again coordinate the Oyster Festival. Rotary member Tom "Oyster" Reardon is the co-chair, along with honorary co-chairs, New York State Senator Carl Marcellino and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto. Mr. Marcellino called the appointment an honor and said "I always have fun at the Oyster Festival, as everyone does." He reminded people that the money raised at the event goes to the local not-for-profit groups that channel the money back into the community.

"It's a family friendly event with great food booths and original arts and crafts. They are not 'job lots' but created artifacts. There is something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you - and bring your money," said the senator.

Town Councilman Chris Coschinano represented Mr. Venditto and introduced Chairman Tom Reardon, saying, "You deserve the limelight, not me." Mr. Coschignano is the chair of the Roosevelt Memorial Park Advisory Committee that is engaged in renovating that site.

Mr. Reardon has been involved with the Oyster Festival over all of its 21 years, often as its chairman. This year he said the committee will be working with the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Association as they create events in the village as his group focuses their efforts on the waterfront. He said the first Oyster Festival started on Audrey Avenue. It featured a race as well as local artisans and food prepared by the not-for-profits. "It moved to every place you could have it and I think it is getting roots here at the WaterFront Center and Roosevelt Memorial Park." He said he had to acknowledge the WaterFront Center for their help. "Rob Crafa, (WFC executive director) and Fritz Coudert (WFC president) have been big pushers-plus for the festival. Rob makes sure we have a nice big boat for the festival. Notice that I've thrown down the gauntlet," he said. Mr. Crafa said they are working with several ships to see which will come to the festival this year.

Senator Carl Marcellino spoke of "the magnificent sight of walking down the pier, with tall ships on each side, taking you back in time to the era of wooden ships and iron men. A benefit of holding the Oyster Festival at the western waterfront."

Mr. Reardon said there are new sponsors, new food items for the Food Court, and added, "One thing we never run out of is oysters!" (Actually one year they did run out of oysters for the Oyster Eating Contest to everyone's surprise. They were a hungry group of chuggers.)

Mr. Rothberg said there will be an extreme sports area at the WaterFront Center, to challenge people in things such as rock climbing. The Lightship Nantucket will become a haunted ghost ship for visitors to explore. Audrey Avenue will be closed and there will be a classic car show and an antique show, both run under the auspices of the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce.

The newly created audio taped walking tour of the historic hamlet, "The Talk of the Town," will be available for visitors too, he said. "Come to Oyster Festival 2004 for the ships, the food, the fun and the prizes. You can visit us beforehand on the Internet at OysterFestival.com."

Senator Marcellino added a few items worth mentioning. He said, there is expanded parking over last year with the return of the Mill Max Mfg. lot, which will be open again to festival goers; handicap transportation is being developed; the same bus system will be used to bring people into the village from the LIRR at Syosset and from local parking venues. But he added, "The best way to come to the festival is to get here by LIRR - and it will be operating," he added. The MTA recently announced plans they are considering to save money, that include closing the Oyster Bay line. "The line is operating and will continue to operate," the senator assured everyone. "The station is within walking distance to the festival and is the most effective way to come to Oyster Bay," he added.